Fairly common in tropical lowlands and foothills, favoring forest edge and woodland, as well as semi-open areas such as towns and gardens with larger trees. Mainly feeds at mid-upper levels in trees, eating fruit, and perches readily on phone wires. Often appears rather dull, but yellow square on black wings is a good field mark; in good light, lilac plumage tones can be appreciated. Often in the same areas as Blue-gray Tanager, and the calls of the two species are also rather similar.