The dotted tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland humid rainforest across the Amazon Basin, including northern Brazil, the Guianas, southern Venezuela, eastern Colombia, and adjacent parts of Ecuador and Peru. Most frequently inhabits the mid- to upper canopy of terra firme forest but also uses várzea (seasonally flooded) forest and well-wooded edges. Regularly joins mixed-species flocks, moving through crowns of tall trees. It is generally uncommon to fairly common where suitable canopy forest remains.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dotted tanager is a canopy-dwelling Neotropical songbird often found in mixed-species flocks high above the forest floor. It can be confused with the spotted tanager, but shows finer, more evenly distributed spotting. Pairs or small groups forage quietly and are more often detected by their high, thin calls than by sight.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically travels in pairs or small groups and is a regular participant in mixed-species canopy flocks. Nests are placed high in trees, with both parents contributing to care. Territorial behavior is subdued, with most activity centered on foraging movements through the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched series of thin tsee and tssit notes, often delivered in brief, hurried sequences. Calls are more frequent than song and can sound like delicate, sibilant chips given while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Fine black spotting scattered across the crown, mantle, wings, breast, and flanks over a bright green to yellow-green base. Underparts are yellowish-green with dense dark dots; back and wings are greener with crisp spotting. Feathers appear neat and glossy in good light, emphasizing the dotted pattern.
Diet
Consumes small fruits and berries as well as arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Frequently picks insects from foliage and will sally short distances to catch airborne prey. Diet composition varies with seasonal fruiting and insect abundance.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- to upper canopy of mature rainforest, especially along edges, gaps, and fruiting trees. Often forages alongside other tanagers and canopy species in mixed flocks, moving steadily through tree crowns.
