The black-throated saltator is a species of songbird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Eastern and Central Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in seasonally dry woodlands, savanna-like Cerrado, Caatinga scrub, and edges of deciduous forests. Favors dense thickets, second growth, and brushy pastures, often near watercourses with gallery vegetation. It adapts to lightly disturbed areas and can be found around rural gardens and orchards. Typically forages at low to mid-levels in shrub layers and small trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The black-throated saltator is a robust-billed Neotropical songbird in the tanager family (Thraupidae), known for its rich, whistled song. Pairs often duet, and the species keeps to dense thickets where it can be surprisingly skulking. Its strong, conical bill is adapted for cracking seeds but it readily takes fruit and insects as well. It thrives in semi-open, seasonally dry habitats such as the Caatinga and Cerrado.
Temperament
wary and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; pairs often maintain territories year-round. Nest is a cup placed low to mid-height in dense shrubs. Both parents participate in feeding the young. Sometimes accompanies mixed-species flocks along forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, clear, whistled phrases, often delivered from within cover or a semi-exposed perch. Pairs may give alternating or overlapping duets. Calls include sharp chips and mellow whistles.
