The lemon-spectacled tanager is a species of bird in the family Cardinalidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Chocó biogeographic region
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Panama through the Chocó and western Andean slopes of Colombia into northwestern Ecuador. Prefers tall, humid evergreen forests, including mature lowland forest, foothill forest, and well-developed secondary growth. Most often found in the shaded understory and midstory, along forest streams, ridges, and at edges. It tolerates some disturbance but is most numerous in extensive, continuous forest.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, olive-toned forest tanager of the family Cardinalidae, the lemon-spectacled tanager is instantly recognized by its bright yellow eye-ring or 'spectacles.' It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests from eastern Panama through western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador. Often traveling in small groups, it frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the understory and midstory. Habitat loss in the Chocó region affects local populations, though it remains fairly widespread where forest persists.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats through the understory
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups that move quietly through the understory and midstory. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks, where it forages methodically. Nests are presumed to be cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation, with both sexes likely participating in parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin series of whistles interspersed with chips, delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp tsip notes and gentle scolding sequences when alarmed.
