Black-goggled Tanager vs Ruby-crowned Tanager

In short

The Black-goggled Tanager and Ruby-crowned Tanager can be distinguished by their facial markings and crown patches. The Black-goggled Tanager has a distinct black facial mask and a bright yellow coronal patch, while the Ruby-crowned Tanager lacks a facial mask and has a ruby-red crown patch visible in males.

Identification tips

• Facial markings: Look for the black facial mask in the Black-goggled Tanager, absent in the Ruby-crowned Tanager.
• Crown patch: The bright yellow coronal patch of the Black-goggled Tanager contrasts with the ruby-red crown patch of the Ruby-crowned Tanager.
• Plumage: Note the dull olive-gray and pale buffy underparts of the Black-goggled Tanager compared to the darker plumage of the Ruby-crowned Tanager.
• Behavior: Observe flocking behavior and association with army ant swarms for the Ruby-crowned Tanager.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized tanagers.

Plumage

The Black-goggled Tanager has a black facial mask and a yellow coronal patch, with males showing dull olive-gray above and pale buffy underparts. The Ruby-crowned Tanager lacks a facial mask and features a ruby-red crown patch in males, with generally darker plumage.

Behaviour

Both species forage for fruit and insects, often in mixed-species flocks. The Ruby-crowned Tanager is sometimes seen following army ant swarms.

Habitat

The Black-goggled Tanager is found on the eastern slopes of the Andes and in the Atlantic Forest, while the Ruby-crowned Tanager is more widespread in forested areas of South America.

Voice

There is no specific vocalization information provided for either species, but tanagers generally have simple calls.