The tawny-crested tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Central America and the Chocó of northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Found from Honduras and Nicaragua through Costa Rica and Panama into western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, especially the understory and midstory. The species also uses forest edges, second growth, and shaded plantations such as cacao when nearby intact forest is present. It commonly accompanies mixed-species flocks and visits fruiting trees along streams and trails.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The tawny-crested tanager is a small tropical tanager whose male is mostly black with a striking tawny crest that it raises during displays. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the forest understory and edge, where it forages for fruits and insects. Despite tolerating secondary growth, it is sensitive to extensive forest loss and fragmentation.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are small cups placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Breeding typically coincides with local wet seasons, with pairs defending a small area around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp chips, thin whistles, and short scolding chatters. The song is a series of soft, high-pitched notes and buzzy phrases delivered from concealed perches.
Plumage
Male is glossy black with an erectable tawny to orange-buff crest; female is olive-brown with warmer buffy tones and a subtler tawny crown. Both sexes have fairly plain wings and tail with minimal barring. Plumage is sleek, with males showing a distinct contrast between the crest and dark body.
Diet
Consumes small fruits and berries, supplemented by insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. It will sally short distances to catch flying insects and probes clusters of dead leaves. Occasionally visits fruiting shrubs along forest edges and trails.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the shaded understory and midstory of humid forests, including edges and tall second growth. Often forages at fruiting trees and within mixed-species flocks where it moves methodically through foliage.
