The yellow-throated chlorospingus or yellow-throated bush tanager is a species of bird traditionally placed in the family Thraupidae, but now closer to Arremonops in the Passerellidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru.
Region
Western Panama and the Tropical Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from western Panama south through the Pacific slope and Andean foothills of Colombia and Ecuador into northern Peru and Bolivia. It inhabits humid foothill and montane forests, especially edges, clearings with trees, secondary growth, and cloud forest understory. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory and lower canopy and tolerates lightly disturbed habitats. Often found near streams and along forested ridges.
Altitude Range
300–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the yellow-throated bush tanager, it was traditionally placed in Thraupidae but is now considered closer to sparrows in Passerellidae. It forages in active mixed-species flocks in humid foothill and montane forests, where its bright yellow throat is a key field mark. Several subspecies vary subtly in tone and saturation across its range.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly travels in small parties and joins mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory and lower canopy. Pairs or small groups maintain loose territories and communicate constantly with thin chips. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of thin, high-pitched twitters and short trills interspersed with sharp chip notes. Calls are frequent contact notes that help maintain flock cohesion in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellow-olive underparts and a conspicuous bright yellow throat. The head is grayish with a dusky mask through the eye and pale eye-crescents; wings and tail are olive with minimal barring. Plumage looks soft and slightly fluffy, especially around the face and throat.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods by gleaning from leaves and fine branches. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Occasionally snatches flying insects with short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages in humid forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo tangles, and along streamside vegetation. Most feeding occurs in the midstory and lower canopy while moving with mixed flocks.
