The plain-colored tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Central America to northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Costa Rica through Panama into northwestern Colombia. It favors subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, and second-growth thickets. The species also uses plantations, gardens with fruiting trees, and heavily degraded former forest. It forages mostly in the midstory to canopy but will descend to lower levels when fruit is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its understated look, the plain-colored tanager is often one of the most common tanagers at fruiting trees in lowland forests. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and adapts well to edges, second growth, and even degraded habitats. Its uniform gray-blue plumage makes it easier to separate from more boldly patterned tanagers nearby.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small groups or pairs and regularly joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Builds a cup-shaped nest in trees or shrubs, with both parents involved in care. Tends to be tolerant of human-altered landscapes within its range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched chips and thin twitters delivered from the canopy. Song is simple and understated compared to many tanagers, often a series of delicate notes interspersed with contact calls.
