Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis)

Identification & Behavior: ~13.5 (5.3 in). The Beryl-spangled Tanager has a narrow black forehead and black around the eye and a bluish crown. The rest is mostly black with characteristic bluish scales throughout.  It forages in the canopy of humid montane forest and in second growth often in the company of mixed species flocks. The plumage pattern is unique but see Spotted Tanager.

Status: The Beryl-spangled Tanager is common in montane forests of the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1500-2900 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Tangara Lentejuelada.

Sub-species: Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis berlepschi), (Taczanowski), 1884.

Meaning of Name: Tangara: Tupí name, Tangara= dancer, one who turns and skips, originally used for the manakins, but subsequently (Marcgrave 1648) transferred to other bright finch-like birds. nigroviridis: L. niger= black and viridis, virere= green, to be green.

See more of the Family Thraupidae