Sporathraupis cyanocephala
The Blue-capped Tanager (Sporathraupis cyanocephala) is a striking and medium-sized neotropical passerine, instantly recognizable by the male's brilliant azure blue crown and nape contrasting with its otherwise olive-green plumage. Measuring approximately 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 inches) in length and weighing around 31-48 grams (1.1-1.7 oz), its distinctive field marks include a dark mask through the eye, a black bill, and a yellowish belly often tinged with olive. This species belongs to the famil...
Found primarily in humid montane evergreen forests, cloud forests, forest edges, and adjacent secondary growth, often tolerating disturbed areas such as coffee plantations. Typically occurs at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters (3,300 to 9,800 feet).
Omnivorous, feeding primarily on a wide variety of small fruits, berries, and arthropods suchs as insects (e.g., caterpillars, beetles, ants) and spiders, foraging actively in the forest canopy and subcanopy.
Blue-capped Tanagers are diurnal and often observed singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, though they frequently join mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly during the non-breeding season. They forage actively in the canopy and subcanopy, gleaning insects from foliage and branches, an...
The Blue-capped Tanager is a resident species distributed discontinuously across mountainous regions of Central and South America. Its northernmost range includes the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. In South America, it occupies the Andes mountain range from northern Venezuela and Col...
Least Concern
- The Blue-capped Tanager is the sole species in its genus, *Sporathraupis*, highlighting its unique evolutionary path within the diverse tanager family. - Despite its vivid blue cap, this tanager often blends surprisingly well into the dappled light of its montane forest habitat, requiring keen ...