The white-shouldered tanager is a medium-sized passerine bird. This tanager is a resident breeder from Honduras to Panama, South America south to Ecuador and southern Brazil, and on Trinidad.
Region
Central America and northern South America, including Trinidad
Typical Environment
Inhabits lowland and foothill humid forests, especially edges, second growth, and canopy gaps. Common along forest margins, riverine corridors, and in older secondary woodlands. Frequently forages in the midstory to canopy but may drop lower at edges. Tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and sometimes visits shaded plantations near forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The male flashes a bold white shoulder patch during displays and when agitated, making identification easy even in dim forest light. This species often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through edges and gaps. It is a resident from Honduras through Panama and across much of northern South America, also occurring on Trinidad.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. The male may defend a small territory and frequently flicks wings to reveal the white shoulder. Nest is typically a small cup placed low to midstory in dense vegetation; both parents tend young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, sibilant whistles interspersed with chips. Calls include sharp tchik and soft tsee notes given while foraging in flocks.
Plumage
Male is glossy black with a conspicuous white shoulder patch; female is olive-brown above with yellowish underparts and lacks the white shoulder patch.
Diet
Takes a variety of insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. Occasionally sallies for flying insects and will probe clusters of dead leaves. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially at forest edges and in second growth.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the midstory and canopy of humid forest edges, gaps, and secondary growth. Often forages along sunlit outer foliage and in vine tangles, frequently within mixed-species flocks.
