The turquoise tanager is a medium-sized passerine bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is a resident bird from Trinidad, much of Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, and south to Bolivia. Despite its scientific name, it is not found in Mexico. It is restricted to areas with humid forest, with its primary distribution being the Amazon. It was formerly treated as being conspecific with the white-bellied tanager which is found in the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil.
Region
Amazon Basin and northern South America, including Trinidad
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland rainforest, riverine forest, and forest edges, with a strong association to the Amazon. It also inhabits secondary growth and clearings near mature forest where fruiting trees are abundant. On Trinidad it is a widespread resident in suitable wooded habitats. It tends to remain in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to edges and tall shrubs to feed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its scientific name, the turquoise tanager does not occur in Mexico; it is mainly an Amazonian and Trinidad resident. It forages actively in the canopy and at forest edges, often joining mixed-species flocks. Formerly lumped with the white-bellied tanager, it now stands as a separate species with darker underparts and vivid turquoise highlights.
T. m. vieiloti from Trinidad is the darkest subspecies
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Builds a cup-shaped nest concealed in foliage; both parents typically participate in care. Territories are defended near nesting sites, but foraging is often cooperative.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched series of thin chips and sibilant tseet notes interwoven with short, sweet warbling phrases. Calls are quick and contact-oriented, keeping groups connected as they move through the canopy.
