The seven-colored tanager is a vulnerable species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to forests in north-eastern Brazil. It resembles the overall greener green-headed tanager; a species confusingly known as the seven-coloured tanager (saíra-sete-cores) in Portuguese.
Region
Northeastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill Atlantic Forest remnants, forest edges, and second-growth woodland. It also uses shaded plantations and orchards adjacent to native forest where fruiting trees are available. The species forages from the mid-story to the canopy, often moving along vine tangles and outer foliage. Habitat fragmentation has confined it to small, isolated patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This dazzling tanager is restricted to remnants of the Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil and is listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and trapping for the cage-bird trade. It closely resembles the green-headed tanager but shows stronger black on the back and a striking orange rump. It often joins mixed-species flocks and can visit fruit feeders near forest edges. Protection of lowland forest fragments is crucial for its survival.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks with other tanagers. Builds a small cup nest in trees or dense shrubs, with both parents involved in care. Clutches are typically small, and breeding coincides with peaks in fruit availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twitters and thin sibilant notes delivered in short sequences. Calls include sharp ticks and soft chips used to keep contact while foraging. The song is less musical than some other tanagers but can be persistent from canopy perches.
