The yellow-backed tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae, the tanagers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela; also extreme eastern Panama in Central America. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Northern South America and eastern Panama
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Amazon Basin and the Guianas, extending west to eastern Andean foothills and north into southern Venezuela and the Guiana Shield, with a small population reaching extreme eastern Panama. Prefers humid lowland forests, especially the canopy and subcanopy of terra firme and várzea. Regular along forest edges, riverine woodland, and tall secondary growth. It also uses lightly degraded or selectively logged forest, plantations with shade trees, and old clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small canopy tanager often joins mixed-species flocks, moving actively through the upper forest layers. Males are striking with a bright yellow back contrasting with darker plumage, while females are more subdued and olive-yellow. It tolerates disturbed habitats and edges better than many rainforest specialists, which helps it persist near human-altered areas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups that frequently integrate into mixed-species canopy flocks. Likely monogamous, with a small cup nest placed high in foliage; both adults participate in care. Foraging is energetic, with frequent short sallies between leaves and branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of twittering notes and short trills, often delivered while moving with flocks. Calls include sharp tsip and tsee notes that carry through the canopy.
Plumage
Male shows a glossy dark head and upperparts with a vivid yellow mantle/back and yellow throat to breast; wings and tail darker with subtle edging. Female is olive-green above with a yellowish back wash and paler yellow underparts, lacking the male’s sharp contrast. Both sexes have fine, sleek plumage suited to canopy foraging.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes small fruits and berries, and occasionally takes nectar when available. Foraging often involves quick gleaning and short sallies to snatch prey from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Most often in the canopy and subcanopy of humid lowland forest, including forest edges and river margins. Also forages in tall secondary growth and shade trees in agroforestry mosaics.
