The brassy-breasted tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
This species inhabits humid montane forests, especially in the Atlantic Forest ranges of southeastern Brazil. It frequents mature forest, forest edges, second growth, and epiphyte-rich canopies. Birds are most often seen in the mid- to upper canopy, but will descend to fruiting shrubs along edges and clearings. It tolerates some habitat disturbance where fruiting trees remain, yet relies on continuous forest for breeding.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The brassy-breasted tanager is a brilliantly colored tanager endemic to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest highlands. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving actively through the canopy in search of fruit and insects. Its common name refers to the metallic, brassy sheen on its breast, which contrasts with bluish underparts and green upperparts.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy. Nests are small cups concealed in dense foliage, and pairs defend a modest area around the nest. Outside breeding, it forages cooperatively and tracks seasonal fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of thin, high-pitched chips and twitters, often given while foraging in flocks. Song is a soft, rapid, tinkling sequence interspersed with sharp call notes.
Plumage
Glossy green upperparts with a striking brassy-golden breast that shades into bluish underparts; fine darker edging gives a subtly scaled look. The face often shows a dusky to blackish mask, with bright blue tones on the belly and rump contrasting the warmer breast. Wings are green with darker centers and paler or golden fringes, giving a slightly gilded effect.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, including those of native forest trees and shrubs. Supplements its diet with insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bromeliads. Occasionally sips nectar and will exploit seasonal fruiting peaks.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid- and upper canopy, especially at fruiting trees. Regularly visits forest edges, secondary growth, and clearings with fruiting shrubs, and joins mixed flocks to exploit food patches efficiently.
