Mitrospingus cassinii
The Dusky-faced Tanager (Mitrospingus cassinii) is a striking, medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 18 cm (7 inches) in length and weighing around 30-40 grams. Its plumage is characterized by a distinctive dark, dusky face that contrasts sharply with its bright yellow throat and underparts, and olive-green upperparts. A key field mark is its prominent, bright rufous-orange to red iris, which stands out against the dark facial mask. This species is part of the small Mitrospingidae f...
This species primarily inhabits wet to humid lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth, typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to about 1,100 meters.
The diet of the Dusky-faced Tanager primarily consists of insects, including caterpillars and beetles, supplemented significantly by a variety of small fruits and berries.
Dusky-faced Tanagers are highly social, diurnal birds typically observed moving in cohesive flocks of 3-10 individuals, often spearheading mixed-species foraging parties through the mid-story and canopy. They forage actively by gleaning insects and fruit from foliage and small branches, moving de...
The Dusky-faced Tanager is a non-migratory resident species found in a relatively narrow but continuous band spanning parts of Central and South America. Its distribution extends from the Pacific slope of Costa Rica, through Panama, and into western Colombia. From Colombia, its range continues so...
Least Concern
- The Dusky-faced Tanager belongs to the family Mitrospingidae, a small family of only three species, which was recently recognized as distinct from the true tanagers (Thraupidae). - Its bright rufous-orange eye is a striking and highly distinctive field mark, contrasting sharply with its dark fa...