The golden-chested tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Northwestern Andes (Colombia and Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the humid western slopes of the Andes in Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, within the Chocó biogeographic region. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and foothill to lower montane forests. Birds use interior forest, edges, and tall secondary growth, typically foraging in the midstory to subcanopy. It favors areas with abundant fruiting trees and dense cover, often along ravines and ridge forests. Local presence can be patchy where forest has been fragmented.
Altitude Range
300–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The golden-chested tanager is a striking Andean bird known for its vivid yellow chest set against dark bluish plumage. It often travels with mixed-species flocks, making brief foraging sallies between fruiting trees and shaded midstory perches. Habitat loss in the Chocó region affects its range, so intact humid forests are important for its persistence.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory. Pairs maintain loose territories during breeding and build cup-shaped nests concealed in vegetation. They are generally shy within dense cover, making brief, purposeful foraging movements.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin chips and short twitters given while foraging. The song is a modest series of high, tinkling notes, often delivered from within foliage and easy to overlook.
