The green-winged saltator is a species of saltator in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and ranges into the southern cerrado and the pantanal.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in southeastern and southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina. It frequents forest edges, gallery forests, cerrado woodlands, scrub, and secondary growth. The species also uses riparian thickets and palm groves in the Pantanal and ventures into plantations and suburban parks. It prefers semi-open mosaics with dense shrubs for cover and nesting.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This tanager-relative is noted for its rich, melodious song, which males deliver from exposed perches, especially at dawn. Its thick, conical bill is adapted to cracking hard seeds, but it also takes fruits and insects. It tolerates disturbed habitats and may visit gardens and orchards. It can be confused with the Grayish Saltator, but has greener wing edging and stronger head contrasts.
Temperament
wary but confident near cover; territorial in breeding season
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes loosely associating with mixed-species flocks in nonbreeding season. Pairs are monogamous and defend small territories. The nest is a cup placed in dense shrubs or low trees, and both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, flute-like series of clear whistles and phrases, often repeated and variable. Calls include sharp chips and mellow notes used in pair contact and alarm.
Plumage
Olive-tinged upperparts with conspicuous green edges to the wing feathers, gray head, and whitish throat. Underparts are gray-olive on the breast shading to buffy or pale on the belly. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a clean, crisp appearance.
Diet
Consumes a mix of fruits and berries, seeds, and buds, using its strong bill to crack tougher items. Supplements with insects and other invertebrates, especially when feeding young. Will take cultivated fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shrub layers, forest edges, and thickets, often moving methodically through mid-level foliage. Also feeds along riparian vegetation and in orchards, gardens, and secondary growth.
