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Overview
Gilt-edged tanager

Gilt-edged tanager

Wikipedia

The gilt-edged tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to Brazil.

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Distribution

Region

Eastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest)

Typical Environment

Occurs in the Atlantic Forest and associated edge habitats in eastern Brazil, including second-growth and plantation mosaics. It favors forest borders, clearings with fruiting trees, and gardens near woodland. Frequently forages in the mid-story to canopy, often moving with mixed flocks. Tolerant of disturbed habitats provided fruit resources remain available.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size13–15 cm
Wing Span20–25 cm
Male Weight0.02 kg
Female Weight0.018 kg
Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Endemic to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, the gilt-edged tanager often joins mixed-species flocks, which helps it find food and avoid predators. Its fondness for fruit makes it an effective seed disperser in degraded and secondary forests, so it can persist in semi-urban green spaces. Despite habitat loss across its range, it remains locally common where forest patches and fruiting trees are available.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Commonly travels in small groups and participates in mixed-species canopy flocks. Pairs or small groups build cup-shaped nests concealed in foliage. Likely monogamous during the breeding season, with both parents attending young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song and calls are high-pitched, thin chips and short twitters, often given while foraging in the canopy. Vocalizations are subtle but contact notes help maintain flock cohesion.

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