The olive-backed tanager is a species of bird in the family Mitrospingidae. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in humid forests of Venezuela, Guyana, and adjacent northern Brazil, particularly in the Guiana Shield foothills and tepui slopes. It prefers dense understory and edge habitats in evergreen forest, including vine tangles and second growth. Birds are commonly found along forested ravines, river margins, and the lower montane belt. Local presence can be uneven, with small groups moving through suitable thickets.
Altitude Range
200–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The olive-backed tanager is part of the small Neotropical family Mitrospingidae, which was split from the tanagers (Thraupidae) after genetic studies. It often joins mixed-species flocks in dense foothill and montane forests, moving methodically through vine tangles and understory. Its drab, olive tones help it stay concealed while foraging.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically moves in pairs or small groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Pairs maintain contact with soft calls while foraging, and family groups may persist post-breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of thin, high-pitched notes and simple trills. Calls are soft chips given frequently while moving through dense cover.
Plumage
Mostly plain olive to olive-brown upperparts with slightly paler, gray-olive underparts and a subtly lighter throat. Feathers appear soft and uniform, lacking strong streaking or bold patches.
Diet
Feeds on small fruits and berries supplemented by insects and other arthropods. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles, and may sally short distances to snatch insects. Seasonal fruiting events can focus its activity in specific trees or thickets. Opportunistic foraging within mixed flocks helps locate food more efficiently.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, forest edges, and second-growth thickets, often near forested streams and ravines. Frequently uses vine tangles and tangled shrubs where cover is thick. Will also visit fruiting trees at lower to mid-levels.
