Calyptophilus tertius
The Western Chat-Tanager (Calyptophilus tertius) is a captivating, medium-sized passerine, measuring 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 inches) in length and weighing 36-55 grams. It sports a relatively drab, dark olive-brown to grayish-brown plumage on its upperparts, contrasting with a whitish throat, gray breast, and clean white belly, often with a subtle yellow wash on the flanks. Its most striking field mark, instantly distinguishing it from other understory birds, is a bright, conspicuous yellow orbital...
This species inhabits dense, humid montane broadleaf forests, particularly favoring areas with a thick understory, ravines, and forest edges. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 meters (2,600-6,600 feet).
Its diet consists mainly of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, orthopterans, and spiders, supplemented by small fruits and berries. It primarily forages by gleaning from foliage and probing leaf litter.
The Western Chat-Tanager is a remarkably secretive and shy bird, spending most of its time foraging silently within the dense undergrowth, making it notoriously difficult to observe. It is primarily terrestrial or forages very low in vegetation, gleaning insects from foliage and probing leaf litt...
The Western Chat-Tanager is an island endemic, restricted solely to the montane regions of Hispaniola, spanning both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. In the Dominican Republic, its primary stronghold is the Sierra de Bahoruco and the Sierra de Neiba, with smaller, fragmented populations potentia...
Vulnerable
- The Western Chat-Tanager is one of only two species in the entire Calyptophilidae family, making it a unique and ancient lineage among birds. - Despite its drab plumage, its bright yellow eye-ring is an unmistakable and vibrant field mark, helping birders identify this elusive species. - It is ...