Dusky-faced Tanager

Overview

The dusky-faced tanager (Mitrospingus cassinii) is a bird species in the family Mitrospingidae, previously classified among the true tanagers. It is native to the tropical lowlands of Central and South America.

Identification

• Adults are 18 to 18.5 cm long and weigh 32 to 39 g, featuring a mustard yellow crown and nape contrasted with a large black facial mask. - Upper parts are lead gray, transitioning to a light gray throat, olive yellow breast and flanks, and a gray-olive-yellow belly. - The dawn song consists of a repetitive "seety, seety, seety" phrase, while daytime vocalisation includes sputtering notes such as "chet" or "chet-ut".

Habitat

Found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama, this species inhabits low dense shrubbery, thickets, second growth, and forest edges. It is frequently observed along forest streams and swampy areas, typically at low altitudes though reaching up to 1,200 m in Panama.

Diet

This bird appears to feed primarily on fruits, though its diet also includes insects and seeds.

Did you know?

Although breeding phenology is not thoroughly studied, observations of nestlings have noted that they are attended by at least three adults, suggesting potential cooperative breeding behaviour.