Blue-grey Saltator

The Bluish-grey Saltator, a member of the tanager family Thraupidae, is a bird of subtle elegance. Its plumage, a blend of grey and greyish-olive, is complemented by a distinctive white stripe over the eye. Adults typically measure 20 cm in length and weigh around 52 grams, presenting a poised figure in their semi-open habitats.

Identification Tips

To identify this species, look for the white supercilium and narrow white throat that contrast with the grey breast. The belly varies from buff to cinnamon, providing a gentle warmth to its overall cool coloration. The bird's size and coloration can vary slightly depending on age and subspecies.

Habitat

The Bluish-grey Saltator thrives in semi-open environments, such as woodlands, scrublands, and forest edges. It is not commonly found in the dense interiors of forests, preferring the light and space found at the periphery.

Distribution

This species is widespread across tropical and subtropical regions of South America, including northern Argentina, western Uruguay, Paraguay, much of Brazil, Bolivia, eastern Peru, eastern Ecuador, and southeastern Colombia.

Behaviour

The Bluish-grey Saltator is known for its foraging habits, often seen in pairs or small groups, and occasionally joining mixed-species flocks. It searches for food at low to middle levels in the vegetation, consuming fruits, buds, and slow-moving arthropods with a discerning palate.

Song & Calls

The call of this bird is a distinctive, long-drawn upward slur, reminiscent of a ch'wheeet or ch'kweeee. Its song is a variable warble, ranging from nasal to mellow tones, often fairly short but enchanting to the listener.

Breeding

The breeding habits of the Bluish-grey Saltator include laying two pale blue subelliptic eggs per clutch. These eggs are unique within the genus, adorned with a circle of blackish-brown markings around the blunt end. The eggs are nestled in a bulky cup nest, situated 2-4 meters high in a tree.

Similar Species

With the taxonomic separation of the former subspecies groups, the Bluish-grey Saltator can be distinguished from the Cinnamon-bellied Saltator and the Olive-grey Saltator, which were once considered part of the same species complex.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Bluish-grey Saltator includes a variety of fruits, such as those from the Trophis racemosa, as well as buds and arthropods. Its feeding strategy is both opportunistic and selective, ensuring a balanced diet.

Conservation status

The Bluish-grey Saltator is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This status reflects its wide distribution and presumably large population, indicating that the species does not face any immediate threats of significant decline.