The scarlet-throated tanager is a small passerine bird in the tanager family Thraupidae that is endemic to eastern Brazil. It is the only member of the genus Compsothraupis.
Region
Eastern Brazil (Caatinga and Cerrado)
Typical Environment
Occurs in semi-open woodlands, scrubby savannas, and edges of gallery forests. It tolerates disturbed areas and secondary growth, especially where fruiting trees and shrubs are available. Birds often forage from low to mid-canopy, moving between scattered trees and shrubs. It is most frequent in mosaics of dry scrub and wooded patches.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This monotypic tanager is endemic to eastern Brazil, where males reveal a vivid scarlet throat patch that can look surprisingly muted unless the feathers are flared during display. It frequents semi-open habitats like cerrado edges, caatinga scrub, and gallery woodland. Often seen in pairs or small groups, it may also join mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed flocks with other tanagers and insectivores. Breeding pairs defend small territories and use elevated perches for displays. Nests are typically placed in shrubs or small trees with both sexes involved in parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp metallic chips and short twitters, with buzzy scolds when alarmed. The song is a brief, thin series of notes delivered from a prominent perch, often interspersed with call notes.
Plumage
Male mostly glossy black with a bright scarlet throat patch that can be partially concealed; female is duller, brownish to sooty with a much less vivid or dusky throat and overall plainer appearance.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that takes small fruits and berries, complemented by insects and other arthropods. It gleans prey from foliage and branches and may sally out to catch flying insects. During the dry season, it relies more on fruiting shrubs and trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds from low to mid-levels in scrub, woodland edges, and secondary growth. Often forages along ecotones where fruiting plants are abundant and insect activity is concentrated.
