Black-hooded tanager

The black-hooded tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in southern Venezuela, Guyana and northern Brazil. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, and heavily degraded former forest. The black-hooded tanager was formerly considered as a subspecies of the black-headed tanager.

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Distribution

Region

Guiana Shield

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily across the tepui highlands of southern Venezuela, adjacent Guyana, and northern Brazil. It inhabits humid montane forest, forest edges, elfin woodland, and high-altitude shrublands on tepui slopes and summits. Birds also use secondary growth and clearings near forest, especially where fruiting shrubs are abundant. Local presence can be strongly tied to fruiting cycles and suitable canopy structure.

Altitude Range

900–2200 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size13–15 cm

Wing Span20–24 cm

Male Weight0.02 kg

Female Weight0.018 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A highland tanager of the Guiana Shield, the black-hooded tanager favors tepui slopes and summit shrublands. Males show a striking jet-black hood contrasting with vivid blue-green body plumage, while females are duller and less contrasting. It forages actively in mixed-species flocks along forest edges and canopy. Formerly treated as a subspecies of the black-headed tanager, it is now recognized as a distinct species.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy and at forest edges, moving quickly between fruiting trees and shrubs. Breeds in pairs; the nest is a small cup placed in dense foliage or shrubs. Outside the breeding season it is more frequently encountered in small groups.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short, tinkling trills. Song bouts are brief and interspersed with contact calls while foraging.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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