Chlorochrysa phoenicotis
The Glistening-green Tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis) is a breathtakingly vibrant songbird, epitomizing the avian splendor of Andean cloud forests. Measuring approximately 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 in) in length and weighing around 16-20 grams, both sexes are primarily an iridescent, emerald-to-bottle-green, shimmering with metallic luster in favorable light. Its most striking field mark is the fiery orange-yellow to reddish-orange ear-coverts, which contrast sharply with a black mask and a small, ...
This species primarily inhabits humid subtropical and tropical montane forests, preferring the canopy and mid-story of cloud forest edges and clearings with scattered trees. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 2200 meters (3,000-7,200 feet).
Their diet consists mainly of small arthropods, including insects and spiders, which they glean from foliage. They also consume small fruits, especially berries, from various forest plants.
Glistening-green Tanagers are active, diurnal birds, spending their days foraging tirelessly through the forest canopy and mid-story. They are often observed participating in mixed-species flocks, moving agilely through foliage, gleaning insects from leaves and twigs. While foraging, they employ ...
The Glistening-green Tanager is endemic to the humid montane forests of the Western Andes, primarily distributed across western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. In Colombia, its range extends from northern Chocó and Antioquia south through Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Nariño. In Ecuad...
Least Concern
- The Glistening-green Tanager's vibrant iridescence is not due to pigment but to the microscopic structure of its feathers, which refract and scatter light. - It is one of only three species in the genus *Chlorochrysa*, all known for their exceptionally brilliant and metallic green plumages. - D...