Chrysothlypis chrysomelas
The Black-and-yellow Tanager, Chrysothlypis chrysomelas, is a vibrant and unmistakable passerine belonging to the Thraupidae family. Males exhibit a striking plumage: deep velvety black covers the entire head, throat, upperparts, and breast, contrasting dramatically with a rich, golden-yellow lower breast, belly, and rump. A small yellow patch is often visible on the bend of the wing, adding to its distinctiveness. Females are notably duller, displaying olive-green upperparts and a grayish-ye...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane and pre-montane forests, including forest edges and clearings with scattered trees. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 meters, though it can occur from 300 to 2,000 meters.
The Black-and-yellow Tanager's diet consists mainly of insects and other arthropods, which it typically gleans from foliage. It also supplements its diet with small fruits and berries when available.
Black-and-yellow Tanagers are highly active birds, constantly moving as they forage for insects, often gleaning arthropods from the undersides of leaves and branches in the forest mid-story and sub-canopy. They frequently join mixed-species flocks, moving in concert with other insectivorous birds...
The Black-and-yellow Tanager is distributed across humid montane regions of Central and South America. In Central America, its primary range encompasses the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica and both slopes of Panama, extending from the western and central parts of the country. South American populat...
Least Concern
- The male Black-and-yellow Tanager's vibrant golden-yellow plumage is produced by carotenoid pigments, a common trait among colorful birds. - Despite its striking appearance, it often goes unnoticed due to its habit of foraging in the dense sub-canopy and mid-story of montane forests. - This spe...