Cyanicterus cyanicterus
The Blue-backed Tanager (*Cyanicterus cyanicterus*) is an exquisitely colored member of the Thraupidae family, endemic to the humid lowland forests of northern South America. Measuring approximately 15-16 cm (about 6 inches) in length, this medium-sized tanager boasts a vivid, iridescent blue on its back, creating a striking contrast with its glossy black head, throat, and upper breast. A key distinguishing field mark for identification is its bright yellow lower belly and vent, which provide...
Found primarily in the canopy and subcanopy of humid lowland tropical forests, often favoring forest edges and clearings, typically below 500 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, gleaning arthropods from foliage and small branches, supplemented with a smaller proportion of fruits, especially berries.
The Blue-backed Tanager is a diurnal and generally active species, spending most of its day foraging high in the forest canopy. It typically moves singly or in pairs, but frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, often associating with cotingas, honeycreepers, and other tanagers. Its primar...
The Blue-backed Tanager is primarily restricted to the humid lowland forests of the Guianan Shield in northern South America. Its breeding and resident range encompasses eastern Venezuela (specifically Bolívar state), Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. In Brazil, its distribution extends into t...
Least Concern
- The Blue-backed Tanager is the sole member of its genus, *Cyanicterus*, highlighting its evolutionary distinctiveness within the diverse tanager family. - Despite its striking coloration, it can be surprisingly difficult to spot in the dense forest canopy, often revealed only by its characteris...