The Brazilian tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to eastern Brazil and far northeastern Argentina, occurring in the coastal region from Paraíba and southwards to Santa Catarina and Misiones.
Region
Eastern South America (Atlantic Forest)
Typical Environment
Occurs along the coastal Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil from Paraíba south to Santa Catarina, favoring lowlands and foothills. It uses forest edges, secondary growth, restinga scrub, mangroves, and urban parks and gardens with dense shrubbery. The species also reaches the far northeastern corner of Argentina (Misiones), mainly near forested rivers. It adapts well to disturbed habitats provided fruiting shrubs and cover are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Brazilian tanager is famed for the male’s vivid scarlet-red plumage contrasted by black wings and tail, while females are much duller and brownish. It frequents forest edges and gardens and readily visits fruit feeders. Although still locally common, it is impacted by habitat loss in the Atlantic Forest and trapping for the cage-bird trade.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, especially during the breeding season. Nests are shallow cup structures placed low to mid-level in dense shrubs. Both parents participate in feeding the young, and pairs may defend small territories rich in fruiting shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, simple whistles interspersed with sharp chip notes. Calls are piercing, metallic chinks used frequently while foraging and maintaining contact.
Plumage
Male is brilliant scarlet-red overall with contrasting black wings and tail; female is brownish-olive above with rufous to buffy underparts and dusky wings and tail.
Diet
Primarily eats soft fruits and berries, supplemented with insects and other small arthropods. It gleans insects from foliage and occasionally hawks short distances to capture flying prey. Around human settlements, it will take bananas and other offerings at feeders. Seasonal availability of fruit influences local movements and foraging intensity.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in secondary growth, restinga scrub, and thickets, as well as in gardens and parks with dense shrub layers. Often visits fruiting trees and shrubs at mid-levels and along clearings.
