The palm tanager is a medium-sized passerine bird. This tanager is a resident breeder from Nicaragua south to Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. It also breeds on Trinidad and, since 1962, on Tobago. In Trinidad and Tobago, it is known by colloquial names such as the "palmiste," on American Spanish countries, Brazil Pipira-verde, and the "green jean" in American English.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Central America through northern and central South America, including the Amazon basin, Guianas, and east to southern Brazil and Paraguay, and on Trinidad and Tobago. It thrives in human-modified landscapes such as towns, gardens, parks, and plantations, especially where palms are abundant. Also found at forest edges, second growth, and clearings. Frequently uses palm crowns for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The palm tanager is a common Neotropical tanager closely associated with palms, gardens, and urban parks. It readily visits fruit feeders and helps disperse seeds by consuming a wide variety of berries and small fruits. The species is a resident from Nicaragua south through much of northern and central South America and on Trinidad; it naturally colonized Tobago around 1962.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, swift flights between trees
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are typically cup-shaped structures placed high in palm crowns or other tall trees near human habitation. Both parents attend the young, and the species adapts well to urban and suburban environments.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, hurried series of thin trills and twitters. Calls include sharp tseet notes and thin chit sounds given while foraging.
