The black-winged saltator is a species of songbird found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. While saltators were traditionally placed in the family Cardinalidae, they are now placed in the tanager family Thraupidae.
Region
Western Andes and Chocó of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occurs on the western slopes of the Andes and adjacent Chocó bioregion from southwestern Colombia into northwestern Ecuador. It favors subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, tall second growth, forest edges, and shaded plantations. Often uses vine-tangled borders and canopy gaps where fruiting trees are common. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance better than many foothill specialists, provided some tree cover remains.
Altitude Range
400–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A medium-sized tanager, the black-winged saltator is most often seen along humid Andean foothill edges and secondary growth. It was formerly placed with cardinals but genetic studies moved saltators into the tanager family Thraupidae. Its clear, whistled phrases carry far, making it easier to detect than to see in dense foliage.
Temperament
wary and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation; both parents participate in care. Territorial singing is common from semi-concealed perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, rich whistles and slurred phrases, often delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp, metallic chips and mellow tew notes used for contact within pairs.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a grayish head and contrasting black wings that show pale edging on the coverts and tertials. Underparts are gray to gray-olive with slightly paler throat and belly. The feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a clean, well-defined contrast between wing and body.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small fruits and berries, seeds, and tender plant matter. Supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage and branches. Will visit fruiting trees and occasionally cultivated crops near forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in secondary growth, and within mid-story to canopy of humid montane forest. Also forages in shaded coffee and cacao plantations where native trees remain.
