Fairly common in humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edges, plantations, and dense second growth. Usually seen singly or in pairs, foraging quietly in flowering or fruiting trees. Buff throat patch is bordered by black moustache stripes. Birds from western Panama north also show black chest band around buff throat. Note less contrast between head and back than larger Black-headed Saltator, and longer white eyebrow of Green-winged Saltator.