The scarlet-browed tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Mostly dark, with a clean, bright scarlet eyebrow (supercilium) contrasting against blackish upperparts and underparts. Females and immatures are browner and less vividly marked. Plumage lacks prominent wingbars and appears sleek in good light.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small fruits and berries along with insects and other arthropods. Often gleans prey from leaves and twigs and will sally short distances to snatch flying insects. Fruits from melastomes and other midstory plants are important food sources. Opportunistic at fruiting trees but also forages methodically along branches.
Preferred Environment
Primarily feeds in the forest midstory and canopy, especially at fruiting trees along edges and gaps. Also uses tall second growth and riparian corridors where food is abundant.
