The red-hooded tanager, is a medium-sized American songbird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. Favors forest edges, clearings with tall trees, and secondary growth adjacent to mature forest. Commonly travels in the canopy and subcanopy, often accompanying mixed-species foraging flocks. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats but relies on forested landscapes for breeding and feeding.
Altitude Range
1500–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its common name, the red-hooded tanager is now placed with the cardinals (family Cardinalidae), not the true tanagers. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving through the canopy and edges of Andean cloud forests. The bright red hood of the male is striking against olive upperparts, making it one of the more easily recognized Piranga species.
Male red-hooded tanager
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile canopy maneuvers
Social Behavior
Typically observed in pairs or small family groups, frequently integrating into mixed-species flocks that roam the canopy. Breeding pairs are presumed monogamous, nesting high in trees in a cup of fine plant material. They forage methodically along branches and outer foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, sweet warble reminiscent of other Piranga cardinals, with clear, whistled phrases. Calls include thin, high 'tsip' notes used to keep contact within flocks.
