The blue-whiskered tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the Chocó of Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Chocó bioregion (Colombia and northwest Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests of the Chocó, including western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador (e.g., Esmeraldas). It favors the mid- to upper canopy of primary rainforest but will use tall secondary growth and forest edges with mature trees. Birds often travel along fruiting trees and vine tangles within continuous forest. It is sensitive to fragmentation and extensive clearing, which reduces local occupancy and connectivity.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-whiskered tanager is a canopy specialist of the Chocó rainforests, where relentless rainfall and dense foliage make it more often heard than seen. Its namesake “whisker” is a narrow blue malar stripe that contrasts with a darker face, especially in males. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks to forage and relies on intact lowland rainforest, making it vulnerable to deforestation.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through the canopy
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species flocks moving along the canopy and forest edges. Pairs or small groups forage quietly, communicating with soft contact calls. Nesting likely occurs in the wet season with cup nests placed well above ground in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short twitters, easily lost in the sound of rainforest insects and rain. Song is simple and subdued, used for contact within flocks rather than prolonged territorial display.
Plumage
Compact tanager with mainly green to greenish-blue upperparts and a darker face; males show a distinct bright blue malar “whisker” stripe. Underparts are greenish with bluish highlights, wings subtly darker with bluish edging. Females are duller with a less contrasting or reduced blue malar line.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries from canopy trees and shrubs. Supplements diet with arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. May hawk short distances for flying insects and probe into clusters of berries for hidden prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy, especially at fruiting trees. Also works along forest edges and tall secondary growth when suitable fruit is available.
