Dusky-faced Tanager

The dusky-faced tanager (Mitrospingus cassinii) is a modestly adorned bird, with adults measuring between 18 to 18.5 cm in length and weighing between 32 to 39 grams. They boast a mustard yellow crown and nape, while their face is adorned with a prominent black mask. Their plumage is a lead gray on the upper parts, transitioning to a light gray throat, olive yellow breast and flanks, and a gray-olive-yellow blend on the belly. The juveniles share a similar appearance but have less yellow on the crown and a buffy tinge to their underparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the dusky-faced tanager, look for the distinctive mustard yellow crown and nape, as well as the large black mask on the face. The lead gray upper parts and the gradient of colors from the throat to the belly are also key characteristics. The juveniles may be identified by their less vibrant crown and the buffy tinge on their underparts.

Habitat

This species thrives in low dense shrubbery, thickets, and areas of secondary growth. It is commonly found along forest edges, gaps within forests, and near forest streams and swampy areas.

Distribution

The dusky-faced tanager can be found across a range of countries in Central and South America. The subspecies M. c. costaricensis inhabits the Caribbean coast from Costa Rica's Heredia Province to northwestern Panama. The nominate subspecies is distributed from western Panama through western Colombia to Guayas Province in Ecuador, and also on the east slope of Colombia's Central Andes.

Behaviour

The dusky-faced tanager primarily consumes fruits, but its diet also includes insects and seeds. It is a sociable bird, often seen chattering throughout the day.

Song & Calls

The dawn song of the dusky-faced tanager is a repetitive "seety, seety, seety, seety, seety." During the day, they communicate with sputtering notes such as "chet" or "chet-ut."

Breeding

While the breeding habits of the dusky-faced tanager have not been extensively studied, breeding or breeding-condition birds have been observed between March and May in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. Their nests are cup-shaped and suspended in shrubs, with a typical clutch size of two eggs. Nestlings have been seen attended by at least three adults.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the dusky-faced tanager as Least Concern. It has a broad range and appears to have a stable population, with occurrences in several protected areas.