The hooded tanager is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Northern and central South America
Typical Environment
Found from Colombia and Venezuela through the Guianas and much of Brazil, south into Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, and west into Peru. It occupies subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, mangrove forests, riverine woodlands, and forest edges. The species also uses secondary growth, plantations with tree cover, and heavily degraded former forest where some canopy or midstory remains. It is most frequently encountered at forest edges, along waterways, and in mangrove belts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The hooded tanager is a small, active member of the tanager family that forages methodically among foliage, often joining mixed-species flocks. Males show a striking dark hood that contrasts with pale body plumage, while females are duller and less sharply marked. It adapts well to edges and secondary growth, which helps explain its wide distribution. Despite this adaptability, it still relies on intact lowland forest mosaics and mangroves in many areas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory and canopy. Nests are open cups placed in trees or shrubs; the clutch is typically small. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding and communicate with soft contact calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched chips and brief twittering phrases delivered from mid-level perches. Calls are sharp, sibilant tseet notes used to maintain contact while foraging.
Plumage
Male shows a distinct black hood and mask contrasting with pale gray to whitish underparts and slate-gray upperparts, with crisp white wingbars. Female is duller with a grayish head, weaker or partial hood, and more brownish-gray upperparts. Both sexes have clean, contrasting patterns that stand out at forest edges.
Diet
Gleans small insects, spiders, and other arthropods from leaves and twigs. Also takes small fruits and berries, especially where fruiting shrubs are abundant. Occasionally hawks short distances to snatch flying insects. Diet composition varies locally with seasonal fruit and insect availability.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy at forest edges, mangroves, and riverine woods. Readily uses secondary growth and disturbed habitats with scattered trees and vine tangles.
