Black-winged Saltator

Saltator atripennis

Dagua (Cali) Valle Del Cauca Colombia

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Saltator atripennis
  • Spanish Name: Saltador Alinegro
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Known Nicknames: None
  • Average Length: 20.5–22 cm / 8–8.7 in
  • Average Weight: 44–58 g / 1.5–2 oz
  • Wingspan: 28–33 cm / 11–13 in
  • Key Feature: Bold white supercilium and black wings contrasting with yellowish-olive upperparts
  • Primary Diet: Omnivore (Primarily frugivorous and insectivorous)
  • Range: Western Andes of Colombia and Ecuador
  • Habitat: Subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and secondary growth
  • Social Structure: Pairs or small groups; often joins mixed-species foraging flocks
  • Nesting/Breeding: Cup-shaped nest built in dense shrubs or low trees
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
  • Population Trend: Stable

The Black-winged Saltator (*Saltator atripennis*) is a striking songbird native to the lush, humid Andean forests of Colombia and Ecuador, distinguished by its sophisticated and high-contrast plumage. True to its name, this species features jet-black wings and a matching tail that stand out sharply against its vibrant olive-green back and soft grey underparts. Its most defining facial features include a bold white "eyebrow" (supercilium) and a bright white throat framed by dark moustachial stripes, all centered around a thick, powerful bill typical of its genus. While its name suggests a "leaper," this bird is celebrated more for its vocal prowess, frequently filling the mountain mist with loud, melodious whistles. Despite its robust, cardinal-like appearance, the Black-winged Saltator is actually a member of the tanager family, standing out as an elegant and vocal inhabitant of the South American cloud forests.

Fun Facts

The Black-winged Saltator is best known for its "rusty hinge" vocalizations, producing a series of squeaky, metallic whistles that cut through the dense Andean cloud forests. While its name translates to "leaper" from Latin, this bird is actually a methodical forager that often serves as the boisterous leader of mixed-species flocks, using its loud calls to coordinate the group. It possesses an unusually robust, heavy bill designed specifically for "mashing" large fruits and crushing hard seeds, a trait that allows it to exploit food sources other tropical birds cannot. Additionally, despite its striking black-and-olive plumage, it is a master of blending into the sun-dappled canopy, often remaining more heard than seen.

Habitats & Distribution

The distribution of this bird is concentrated in the northern Andes, specifically across the western and central mountain ranges of Colombia and Ecuador. It is most commonly found at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,500 meters, inhabiting the subtropical zones along the Pacific slope and within certain interior Andean valleys.

In terms of habitat, it favors humid montane forests, forest edges, and advanced secondary growth. It is often observed in clearings with scattered trees and shrubby borders, where it primarily occupies the mid-story and canopy levels. The bird demonstrates an ability to persist in moderately disturbed environments, provided there is adequate dense foliage for cover.

Behaviours & Reproduction

These birds typically inhabit humid forest edges and canopies, where they are often observed in pairs or small, vocal family groups. They maintain a socially monogamous structure, defending their territories through melodic songs and active foraging for fruits and insects. Their behavior is characterized by a degree of secretiveness, though they remain active throughout the day, often moving in a deliberate manner through dense vegetation.

During the breeding season, they construct a bulky, cup-shaped nest using twigs, rootlets, and other plant fibers, usually well-concealed within thick foliage. The female typically lays two eggs, which are often pale blue or greenish with dark markings. While the female performs the bulk of the incubation, both parents participate in feeding and protecting the nestlings. This cooperative effort ensures the survival of the brood, with nesting periods frequently timed to coincide with the peak availability of seasonal fruits.

Diet

The Black-winged Saltator maintains an omnivorous diet that predominantly consists of a diverse array of fruits, berries, and seeds found within its montane forest habitats. While it is largely frugivorous, this species frequently supplements its intake with nectar, flower buds, and various insects or small invertebrates, which provide essential proteins particularly during the nesting period. Foraging typically occurs at multiple levels of the forest, ranging from the dense understory to the higher canopy, where the birds are often seen in pairs or small groups searching for seasonal ripened produce. Interestingly, these birds play a significant role in their ecosystem as seed dispersers, helping to regenerate plant life across the Andean slopes, and they have shown a notable degree of dietary flexibility by readily visiting garden bird feeders to consume offered fruit scraps.

Colors

The Black-winged Saltator is defined by its namesake jet-black wings and tail which contrast sharply with an olive-green back. Its head features a bold black mask, a prominent white eyebrow, and a bright white throat. The underparts are primarily pale gray, fading into warm buff tones near the vent, providing effective countershading for concealment within the dappled light of dense Andean foliage.