The azure-shouldered tanager is a species of bird in the tanager family, Thraupidae. Described by the French zoologist Louis Pierre Vieillot in 1817, it is only found in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, from southeastern Bahia, eastern Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo south to northern Rio Grande do Sul. It inhabits humid montane forests, open woodlands, secondary growth, and forest edges and can be found at elevations of up to 1,600 m (5,200 ft), but usually stays below 1,200 m (3,900 ft).
Region
Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Bahia south through eastern Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo to northern Rio Grande do Sul. It inhabits humid montane and submontane forests, as well as secondary growth, forest edges, and open woodlands. The species is most frequently found in the mid- to upper canopy but also descends to edges and fruiting shrubs. It persists in fragmented landscapes where forest patches remain, including urban parks and gardens near native forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This Atlantic Forest tanager is best recognized by the bright azure patch at the bend of the wing, which gives the species its name. It can be confused with the sayaca and golden-chevroned tanagers, but lacks the strong yellow wing chevrons of the latter and shows a distinct blue shoulder. The species often joins mixed-species flocks and readily visits fruiting trees and garden feeders. Ongoing loss and fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest are the main concerns for its long-term survival.
Feeding on a banana
Azure-shouldered tanagers nest in tangles of epiphytic bromeliads.
Collage showing nest, eggs, and hatchlings
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Builds a cup-shaped nest in trees or tall shrubs. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding and expand to looser associations outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, warbling series of thin, sweet notes interspersed with chip calls. Calls include sharp tsip and metallic tinks used to keep contact in flocks.
