The masked tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and northern South America
Typical Environment
Found in humid lowland rainforests, forest edges, riverine forests, and tall secondary growth across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. It favors the mid-story to canopy, frequently visiting fruiting trees. The species adapts to selectively logged areas and regenerating forests, provided tall trees and fruit resources remain. It is less common in heavily fragmented habitats far from continuous forest.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The masked tanager is a brightly colored canopy songbird of Amazonian forests, noted for its striking black facial mask and breast band. It often travels in mixed-species flocks, especially around fruiting trees, which helps it exploit food resources efficiently. Its adaptability to forest edges and secondary growth makes it relatively common in suitable habitats. Despite its vivid colors, it can be surprisingly hard to spot high in the canopy.
Masked Tanager in Peru
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy and forages in pairs or small groups. Breeding pairs build cup-shaped nests high in trees, with both parents involved in feeding nestlings. Territory defense is moderate, with more tolerance when abundant fruit is available.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched tinkling notes and short twitters. Calls include sharp, sibilant 'tsip' or 'tsee' notes, given frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Bright turquoise-blue to greenish-blue body with contrasting black mask and a distinct black breast band; wings and tail dark with blue edging.
Diet
Consumes small fruits and berries, supplemented by insects and other small arthropods gleaned from foliage and branches. Will occasionally take nectar or sip from soft fruits. Foraging is methodical, often centered on fruiting trees where it picks items individually. Insects are typically taken by gleaning or short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the upper mid-story and canopy, especially along forest edges and river corridors. Frequently accompanies mixed flocks to exploit ephemeral fruit resources and disturbed edges.
