South-western Colombia (western slope of western Andes in upper Anchicayá Valley, in Valle del Cauca; Nariño) and Ecuador (in eastern Esmeraldas; Pichincha).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through logging, small-scale agriculture and gold mining is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Usually in pairs or groups of 3-6 individuals, often associated with mixed-species flocks.
Food
Primarily fruit. Also flowers and insects.
Voice
A hoarse, rasping rasping 'chut' and 'chip-chut' or 'chut-chip' notes repeated frequently.
Yellow-green Tanager (Bangsia flavovirens) [XC263009]
by Jonas Nilsson from Esmeraldas: Lita-San Lorenzo road W of Alto Tambo, Ecuador (begging call, begging calls)
Yellow-green Tanager (Bangsia flavovirens) [XC700587]
by Brayan Coral Jaramillo from Pacto (near La Delicia), Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador (call, song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Recent molecular-genetic studies indicate that this genus and Nesospingus, Spindalis and Phaenicophilus form a monophyletic clade that is sister to several New World warbler (Parulidae) genera (including Dendroica, Basileuterus and Vermivora), and are not closely related to other genera of present family. More recent evidence suggests that Chlorospingus is closest to genus Arremonops in family Emberizidae.
Similar Species
Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager (Chlorospingus flavigularis) (which typically forages in lower forest strata) has greyish underparts contrasting with yellow throat and white irides.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet