The white-throated shrike-tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Honduras south through Nicaragua and Costa Rica into western Panama, primarily on the Caribbean slope. It inhabits mature and tall secondary humid lowland forests, favoring the midstory to canopy. The species is most frequently detected by voice when moving with mixed-species flocks. It tolerates some forest edge and tall second growth but is most regular in intact forest interiors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This canopy-dwelling tanager often travels with mixed-species flocks, where its sharp calls help keep groups coordinated. Males show a striking contrast with a clean white throat against a darker head, while females are more subdued and olive. It forages methodically in the midstory to canopy, taking insects and small fruits. Habitat loss in lowland humid forests affects its local abundance.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory and canopy, moving steadily as it forages. Typically encountered in pairs or small family groups within these flocks. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation; pairs maintain territories during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, ringing notes and metallic chips that carry through the canopy. Song includes clear whistles and short phrases, and pairs may duet or exchange contact calls while moving with flocks.
Plumage
Male with dark head and face contrasting with a clean white throat, olive-green upperparts, and yellowish underparts; female is duller olive with a pale whitish throat and lacks extensive black on the head. Both sexes have a robust, shrike-like bill and plain wings without bold wing bars. Plumage appears smooth with subtle contrast between olive upperparts and paler underparts.
Diet
Takes insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs, occasionally sallying for prey. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect activity is low. Will probe clusters of leaves and epiphytes, and may take spiders and caterpillars.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the midstory to canopy of mature humid forests and tall secondary growth. Frequently feeds while accompanying mixed-species flocks along forest edges and interior trails.
