The golden-billed saltator is a species of saltator in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay; also the regions of the southern pantanal, along the Paraguay River. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
South-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from lowland dry forests and shrublands to Andean foothill scrub across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (southern), Chile (northern), Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. It favors open woodlands, chaco scrub, savanna edges, and hedgerows near agriculture. It also occupies riparian thickets along the Paraguay River and the southern Pantanal margins. The species tolerates degraded habitats and can be found in secondary growth and rural gardens with dense cover.
Altitude Range
0–3500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The golden-billed saltator is named for its striking orange-yellow bill, which contrasts with its gray head and olive back. It often keeps to dense shrubs and woodland edges, making it more often heard than seen. Its rich, whistled song is a familiar sound in dry forests and scrub across south-central South America.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, sometimes loosely associating with mixed-species flocks in scrubby habitats. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense shrubs. Pairs defend small territories during breeding and may remain together year-round.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers rich, mellow whistles and short, musical phrases, often repeated from a semi-concealed perch. Calls include sharp chips and softer contact notes used between pair members.
Plumage
Gray head with a pale supercilium, olive-green to brownish upperparts, and grayish underparts with warmer tones on the flanks and vent. Wings and tail are dusky with olive edging. Feathers are smooth with subtle contrast between the gray head and olive back.
Diet
Eats a mix of seeds, fruits, buds, and small invertebrates. Uses its stout bill to crack hard seeds and glean berries from shrubs. Occasionally takes insects during the breeding season, likely to supplement protein needs. May visit crop edges and orchards where fruiting plants and weedy seed sources are abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense shrubbery, woodland edges, hedgerows, and second-growth thickets. Often feeds at mid to low levels, hopping between branches and dropping to the ground to pick seeds.
