Dacnis viguieri
The Viridian Dacnis (Dacnis viguieri) is a jewel-toned neotropical songbird renowned for its striking plumage and active demeanor. Males exhibit a brilliant, iridescent turquoise-blue coloration across most of their body, contrasted sharply by a velvety black mask extending from the lore through the eye, a black back, and black wings and tail edged with blue. Measuring approximately 10.5 cm (4.1 inches) in length and weighing a mere 10.5-12 grams, it is a small, compact tanager. Females are d...
Found in lowland humid forests, primarily along forest borders, secondary growth, and clearings with scattered trees. Typically inhabits elevations from sea level up to 1000 meters, though most commonly below 800 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming small berries and drupes from various tropical plants, particularly *Miconia* species. Supplements its diet with small insects gleaned from foliage and, less frequently, nectar from flowers.
The Viridian Dacnis is a highly active, diurnal species, often observed singly or in pairs, but most frequently as a key component of mixed-species foraging flocks. It typically forages in the canopy and sub-canopy, moving swiftly through foliage, gleaning insects from leaves and twigs, and pluck...
The Viridian Dacnis is resident to the humid lowlands of the Pacific slope of Panama and western Colombia. In Panama, its distribution extends from eastern Darién Province westward through the Canal Zone. Its primary range in Colombia encompasses the western departments of Chocó, Valle del Cauca,...
Least Concern
- The male Viridian Dacnis's 'viridian' color is a deep, iridescent blue-green, making it one of the most stunning birds in its genus. - Despite its bright colors, its small size and high-canopy habitat can make it surprisingly challenging to spot without binoculars. - It is a common participant ...