Tangara chrysotis
The Golden-eared Tanager, *Tangara chrysotis*, is a strikingly iridescent gem of the Andean cloud forests, measuring approximately 13 cm (5.1 inches) in length and weighing around 18-24 grams. Its plumage is a dazzling array of emerald green, with a contrasting black back, wings, and tail. The most distinctive field mark, giving the species its name, is a brilliant golden-yellow patch on the auriculars (ear coverts), framed by a rich chestnut crown and a narrow black mask extending from the b...
Inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, forest borders, and secondary growth from the upper tropical to subtropical zones, typically found at elevations between 900 to 2,000 meters.
Primarily feeds on small fruits and berries, supplemented significantly by insects gleaned from foliage, and occasionally nectar.
This diurnal species is most frequently observed foraging actively in the canopy and sub-canopy layers of the forest, often joining mixed-species flocks, a common strategy among tropical birds to enhance foraging efficiency and predator detection. Foraging involves gleaning insects from foliage a...
The Golden-eared Tanager is a resident species found exclusively in the humid montane forests along the Andes of South America. Its distribution stretches from the upper tropical and subtropical zones of southern Colombia, through eastern Ecuador and eastern Peru, south into northern Bolivia. Two...
Least Concern
- The Golden-eared Tanager is a member of the genus *Tangara*, one of the largest and most colorful genera of birds in the Neotropics, boasting over 50 species. - Its spectacular iridescent green plumage can appear to shift in color depending on the angle of light, creating a shimmering effect. -...