The black-goggled tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Trichothraupis. It is found at low levels in forest and woodland in a large part of eastern and southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and far north-eastern Argentina, with a disjunct population along the East Andean slope in Peru, Bolivia, and far north-western Argentina. While generally common and widespread, and consequently considered to be of least concern by BirdLife International and IUCN, the population associated with the Andes is relatively local and uncommon.
Region
Eastern South America and East Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in eastern and southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and far northeastern Argentina, with a disjunct population along the East Andean slope in Peru, Bolivia, and far northwestern Argentina. It favors the understory and edges of humid evergreen forest, secondary growth, and gallery woodland. Often near forest edges, clearings with shrubs, and along streams. Tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and regenerating forest, provided some dense cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-goggled tanager is the sole member of the genus Trichothraupis and is generally common across much of eastern South America. Males have a bold dark facial 'goggle' and can raise a small, concealed yellow crown patch during displays. It often forages in the lower levels of forest with mixed-species flocks, making it more easily detected by sound and movement than by color.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the forest understory. Forages methodically through dense foliage, occasionally making short sallies. Builds a cup nest low in shrubs or saplings; both adults typically attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of soft, thin whistles and chips, often delivered from low concealed perches. Calls include sharp tseeps and ticks used to keep contact within mixed flocks.
Plumage
Compact tanager with mostly olive-brown upperparts and paler underparts; male shows a distinct black facial mask forming the 'goggles.' A small yellow crown patch in males may be raised but is often concealed. Females are duller olive-brown without the dark mask and may show a faint, pale supercilium.
Diet
Takes a broad diet of small fruits and berries along with insects and other small arthropods. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally snatches flying insects in short sallies. Fruits from understory shrubs and edge plants are important seasonal resources.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the understory and lower midstory of humid forest, at edges, and in secondary growth thickets. Often feeds along forest trails, stream margins, and clearings with dense shrub layers.
