The Tacarcuna chlorospingus or Tacarcuna bush tanager is a species of bird traditionally placed in the family Thraupidae, but now viewed closer to Arremonops in the Passerellidae.
Region
Darién–Chocó region of Panama and Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests along the Panama–Colombia border, especially in the Serranía de Tacarcuna and adjacent ranges. It favors dense, mossy forest interiors, edges, and gaps with abundant epiphytes and bamboo. Birds frequently use the midstory and lower canopy, moving through vine tangles and along ridgelines. It can persist in lightly disturbed secondary forest if sufficient understory structure remains.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Tacarcuna bush-tanager, this species was traditionally placed in Thraupidae but is now considered closer to Arremonops within Passerellidae. It often joins mixed-species flocks, where it forages actively in the midstory. Its name refers to the Serranía de Tacarcuna on the Panama–Colombia border, where it is most often found. Presence often indicates healthy, humid montane forest.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages in small groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks with tanagers, furnariids, and warblers. Pairs likely defend small breeding territories within larger home ranges. Nest is a cup of moss and fibers placed in dense vegetation at low to mid-height.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of chips and brief trills, delivered from midstory perches. Calls include sharp tsip notes and soft contact calls that help maintain cohesion within flocks.
