Thraupis glaucocolpa
Thraupis glaucocolpa, commonly known as the Glaucous Tanager, is an exquisite passerine bird often considered a subspecies of the widespread Blue-gray Tanager, yet recognized as a distinct species by some authorities. This species presents a striking, soft grayish-blue plumage across its body, contrasted by a distinctive, prominent whitish patch at the bend of each wing, a key field mark for identification. Measuring approximately 14-18 cm (5.5-7.1 inches) in length and weighing between 28-56...
This adaptable species thrives in a variety of semi-open habitats, including forest edges, clearings, cultivated lands, gardens, parks, and urban areas, typically found at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily frugivorous, the Glaucous Tanager also consumes a significant amount of insects, especially during breeding season, and supplements its diet with nectar.
The Glaucous Tanager is an active, diurnal bird, often observed foraging solitarily, in pairs, or in small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy and subcanopy. Its foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning fruits and insects from trees and shrubs, frequently perf...
The Glaucous Tanager is a resident species primarily found in the northern regions of South America and adjacent Caribbean islands. Its core distribution encompasses northeastern Colombia and northern Venezuela, extending eastward to include Margarita Island. Additionally, isolated but thriving p...
Least Concern
- The Glaucous Tanager is often considered a distinct species by some authorities (*Thraupis glaucocolpa*) but a subspecies of the widespread Blue-gray Tanager (*Thraupis episcopus glaucocolpa*) by others. - Its common name, "Glaucous," refers to its distinct pale, grayish-blue or greenish-blue p...