With its vibrant orange belly, teal wings, and turquoise spangles, this spangle-checked tanager stands out from its fellow avian counterparts. Classified as a medium-sized passerine bird, this tanager measures approximately 13 cm (5.1 inches) in length and weighs around 20 g (0.71 ounces). Its head, breast, and upper body exhibit a similar shade of black, while the breast, sides of the face, and neck showcase a stunning blue scaling. A rufous crown adorns the top of its head, while its rump displays a lovely green hue. Furthermore, its belly is adorned with a warm cinnamon tone, and its wings and tail are bordered with a captivating blue hue.

While there may be some similarities in the physical appearance of males and females, it is important to note that males generally exhibit a greater presence of blue scaling. Juvenile birds, on the other hand, tend to resemble the males more closely in terms of lacking a head patch and having less pronounced scaliness compared to fully grown adult birds.

The Costa Rican and western Panamanian regions are home to this delightful bird, which thrives in its natural habitat.

These fascinating avian creatures have a strong affinity for lush forests adorned with an abundance of epiphytes. They find solace in the uppermost branches, where they can make their homes amidst the lofty canopy, thriving at impressive altitudes ranging between 1,200 and 3,000 meters above sea level. However, their adaptability extends beyond these dense woods, as they can also be found gracing semi-open areas, forest edges, and even secondary vegetation at lower elevations.

The spangled-cheeked tanager has a preference for fruits, but it is also known to consume insects and spiders, often swallowing them whole. The IUCN Red List categorizes this species as having a lower level of endangerment.