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Overview
Scarlet-browed tanager

Scarlet-browed tanager

Wikipedia

The scarlet-browed tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.

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Distribution

Region

Chocó–Darién and Pacific slope of western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador

Typical Environment

Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests from eastern Panama through western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador. It favors mature evergreen forest, tall second growth, and forest edges near clearings and rivers. Most activity is in the midstory to canopy, especially around fruiting trees. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance but is most frequent in intact forest. It is regularly found in protected areas within the Chocó biogeographic region.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size16–18 cm
Wing Span24–27 cm
Male Weight0.036 kg
Female Weight0.034 kg
Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This striking tanager of the family Thraupidae is best recognized by its vivid scarlet eyebrow set against otherwise dark plumage. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the forest midstory and canopy. Females and immatures are duller than males, aiding camouflage in dense vegetation. It can be confused with the Sulphur-rumped Tanager, but that species shows a bright yellow rump rather than a red brow.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically travels in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the midstory and canopy. Breeding pairs maintain small territories within larger tracts of forest. Nests are usually well-concealed in dense foliage.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives a series of thin, high-pitched chips interspersed with soft, twittering phrases. Calls are sharp tseet notes that carry through the midstory, with brief, musical trills during more excited moments.

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