Carmiol's tanager is a species of bird in the cardinal family Cardinalidae that is found in Central America from Nicaragua southwards to northwest Colombia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest. It was formerly considered as conspecific with the yellow-lored tanager.
Region
Central America and northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Found from Nicaragua south through Costa Rica and Panama into northwestern Colombia. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, forest edges, and second growth, often near streams and in ravines. The species forages from the understory to mid-canopy, commonly between 2–15 m above ground. It persists in selectively logged and degraded forests but is most numerous in intact habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Carmiol's tanager is a largely olive-green forest bird of Central America, now placed in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae) despite its common name. It often travels with mixed-species flocks in the shaded understory and midstory, where it can be unobtrusive. The species was formerly considered conspecific with the Yellow-lored Tanager. It honors the 19th‑century naturalist Adolphe Carmiol.
Temperament
quiet and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Breeding timing varies locally within the wet season across its range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, clear whistles and soft phrases delivered from within cover. Calls are sharp chips and high, sibilant notes given while foraging with flocks.
