Chlorothraupis frenata
The Yellow-lored Tanager (*Chlorothraupis frenata*) is a captivating, medium-sized passerine, instantly recognizable by its overall dull olive-green plumage, strikingly pale yellow lores—the small area between its pale eye and the stout, dark bill. Measuring approximately 17-18 cm (6.7-7.1 inches) in length and weighing 30-40 grams, both sexes exhibit similar, subtle coloration, lacking pronounced sexual dimorphism. Its distinctive pale whitish or grayish iris provides a sharp contrast agains...
This species primarily inhabits humid subtropical and tropical moist montane cloud forests, often favoring forest edges and secondary growth, typically at elevations from 1000-2500 meters (3,300-8,200 feet).
The Yellow-lored Tanager's diet consists primarily of arthropods, such as insects and spiders, supplemented with small fruits. It forages by actively gleaning from foliage and branches.
This diurnal tanager is a highly social species, frequently observed participating in large, noisy mixed-species foraging flocks that traverse the mid-story and sub-canopy of its forest habitat. It employs an active foraging strategy, meticulously gleaning arthropods—including beetles, caterpilla...
The Yellow-lored Tanager is endemic to the humid eastern slopes of the Andes, with a distribution spanning several South American countries. Its range begins in southern Colombia, specifically in the Nariño department, extending southward through eastern Ecuador. From Ecuador, its distribution co...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-lored Tanager is one of only four species within the *Chlorothraupis* genus, often called "Bush-Tanagers. - Despite its relatively dull plumage, its bright yellow lores (the area between its eye and bill) and pale eye are distinctive field marks. - It frequently acts as a "nuclear sp...