The bluish-grey saltator or Amazonian grey saltator is a passerine bird in the tanager family Thraupidae that is widespread in semi-open habitats in tropical and subtropical South America.
Region
Amazon Basin and eastern South America
Typical Environment
Found widely through the Amazon Basin and adjacent lowlands, extending into eastern Brazil and parts of the Guianas and Bolivia. It favors semi-open habitats such as forest edges, riverine thickets, secondary woodland, and savanna-woodland mosaics. It readily uses human-modified landscapes including gardens, plantations, and parklands where shrubs and small trees are present. Local movements may occur following fruiting cycles, but it is mostly sedentary.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Amazonian grey saltator, this species is now placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae) after long being grouped with cardinals. It forages mostly in pairs or small groups along forest edges and second growth. Its rich, whistled phrases are a common soundscape element in lowland Amazonia. Recent taxonomy split northern populations into separate species, leaving this form largely Amazonian and eastern South American.
Egg
Temperament
quiet but alert; often shy at mid-level cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes loosely associating with mixed-species flocks at forest edge. Pairs maintain small territories and nest in low shrubs or small trees, building a cup nest. Breeding is typically during the rainy season when fruit is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, mellow whistles and clear phrases, often delivered from a semi-exposed perch. Pairs may engage in antiphonal duets. Calls include a sharp metallic 'chink' and softer contact notes.
Plumage
Smooth bluish-grey upperparts with paler grey underparts and subtly olive-tinged wings. The throat is whitish, typically edged by a dusky malar line, and the face can appear slightly darker. Feathers are sleek with minimal streaking, giving a clean, even-toned look.
Diet
Feeds on small fruits and berries, seeds, and occasional insects. Gleans arthropods from foliage and supplements with buds and flower parts when available. Frequently visits fruiting shrubs and small trees and may come to feeders offering fruit. Diet varies seasonally with local fruiting patterns.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest and woodland edges, riverbanks, and in secondary growth with dense shrub layers. Comfortable in agroforestry systems, gardens, and parks where fruiting plants are present. Usually feeds from low to mid-levels, occasionally on or near the ground.
