The scarlet-breasted dacnis is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Chocó bioregion (western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland evergreen rainforest, most often in the canopy and subcanopy. It also uses forest edges and tall secondary growth where large trees remain. The species is tied to intact forest structure and is sensitive to extensive fragmentation. It can persist in selectively logged areas if canopy continuity is maintained, but abundance drops in heavily degraded landscapes.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, canopy-dwelling tanager of the Chocó lowlands, the male’s vivid scarlet breast patch is diagnostic and contrasts with blue and black upperparts. It is elusive because it forages high in the canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks. Ongoing deforestation in the Chocó threatens its limited range, making habitat protection essential.
Temperament
active and alert canopy forager
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the canopy. Breeding likely involves a small cup nest placed high in trees, with both parents attending young. Territoriality is modest, with more emphasis on following food resources within suitable forest patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and soft twitters delivered from the canopy. The song is a light, hurried series of notes that can be hard to localize amid insect and flock noise.
Plumage
Male with glossy black upperparts set off by bright blue areas and a striking scarlet breast/throat patch; female mostly greenish with paler underparts and limited or no red. Both sexes have fine, sleek plumage suited to canopy foraging.
Diet
Takes small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs and occasionally hawks tiny insects in short sallies. Also consumes small berries and soft fruits and may sip nectar from flowers. Diet varies with seasonal availability, often increasing fruit intake when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in the upper canopy and subcanopy of humid lowland forest. It forages along forest edges and tall secondary growth, especially where fruiting trees are present.
