The fawn-breasted tanager is a species of tanager with a blue head and yellow breast. It occurs in the Andes of northwestern Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, as well as in the highlands of northeastern Argentina, south Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in montane and foothill zones, frequenting forest edges, humid montane forests, cloud forests, and second growth. It adapts well to semi-open habitats including shrubby clearings, plantations, and gardens near forest. Birds often forage from mid-levels to canopy, moving along edges and in gaps. Local populations may shift elevation seasonally to track fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
600–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The fawn-breasted tanager is a striking Andean tanager with a blue head and warm buff-yellow underparts, often joining mixed-species flocks in forest edges and secondary growth. It is sometimes confused with the closely related Blue-and-yellow Tanager (Pipraeidea bonariensis), but the fawn-breasted shows more buffy, not bright yellow, underparts. It plays a role in seed dispersal by consuming a variety of small fruits. Local altitudinal movements may occur in response to seasonal food availability.
Male and female fawn-brested tanager
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy and along forest edges. Builds a cup-shaped nest placed in shrubs or trees. Likely monogamous, with both parents participating in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a light, sweet series of thin trills and twitters delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp, metallic chips and soft contact notes used while foraging in flocks.
Plumage
Glossy blue head and nape with darker mask-like lores, olive to blue-tinged mantle and back, and darker wings edged pale blue. Underparts are warm fawn-buff to yellowish, often richer on the breast and paler toward the belly and vent. Tail is dark with bluish edging. Sexes are similar, with females slightly duller.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small fruits and berries, complemented by insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. Will sally short distances to take flying insects when available. Occasionally visits flowering trees for nectar or to capture insects attracted to blooms.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in secondary growth, and in semi-open woodland with scattered fruiting trees. Also enters plantations and gardens, especially where native fruiting shrubs are present.
