The rose-breasted chat is a species of bird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America (Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield)
Typical Environment
Occurs in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. Prefers dense understory of humid lowland and foothill forests, including riverine thickets, forest edges, and second-growth. Frequently uses vine tangles and scrubby white-sand (campinarana) habitats. It is a resident species that generally keeps to shaded, tangled vegetation and is often elusive.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This understory songbird belongs to the Cardinalidae despite its warbler-like appearance and behavior. Pairs often maintain territories and perform antiphonal duets where male and female alternate phrases. It favors dense thickets and vine tangles, making it more often heard than seen. Its distribution spans the Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield, where it remains largely non-migratory.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that defend territories. Pairs commonly duet, with coordinated exchanges from concealed perches. Nests are shallow cups placed low in dense shrubs or vines; clutch size is small and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled phrases delivered at measured pace, often in duets between mates. Calls include sharp chips and soft whistles used to maintain contact in thick cover.
