Stilpnia cyanoptera
The Black-headed Tanager (Stilpnia cyanoptera) is a captivating small-to-medium sized passerine, typically measuring 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length. Males are instantly recognizable by their strikingly iridescent blue plumage that covers most of the body, vividly contrasting with a velvety black head and upper throat. Their wings and tail are dark, often edged with blue, adding to their striking appearance. Females, while still attractive, exhibit more subdued coloration, generally appea...
Primarily inhabits humid montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges, favoring areas with dense understory and secondary growth. Found at elevations typically ranging from 700 to 2,000 meters (2,300-6,500 feet) above sea level.
An omnivorous species, feeding primarily on small arthropods (insects and spiders) gleaned from foliage and a variety of small, soft fruits and berries.
Black-headed Tanagers are diurnal birds, actively foraging throughout the day within the mid to upper canopy layers of their forest habitat. They typically roost individually or in small groups amidst dense foliage, often high in trees, for protection. Foraging behavior primarily involves gleanin...
The Black-headed Tanager is endemic to northern and western South America, with its distribution stretching from the coastal range of northern Venezuela and central Colombia, through the Andes of western Ecuador and eastern Peru, extending south into central Bolivia. It is predominantly found alo...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, the Black-headed Tanager is not closely related to the Black-capped Tanager (*Tangara heinei*), though both are vibrant South American tanagers. - This species was previously classified in the large genus *Tangara* but was moved to the genus *Stilpnia* in 2016 based on ...