Golden-eared Tanager (Tangara chrysotis)

Identification & Behavior: ~14 cm (5.5 in). The Golden-eared Tanager has golden forehead and ear patches bordered below by a black malar stripe. The upperparts are dusky green. The underparts are opalescent green with the center of the belly, vent and undertail coverts rufous. Both sexes are similar. It foreges in the canopy and sub-canopy of humid montane forest often in the company of mixed species flocks. It is similar to the Metallic-Green Tanager, but is disntinguished by a golden forehead and ear patches and by a rufous center of the belly. Also see, Blue-browed Tanager.

Status: The Golden-eared Tanager is uncommon in montane forests of the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 850-1600 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Tangara de Oreja Dorada.

Sub-species: Golden-eared Tanager (Tangara chrysotis), (Du Bus de Gisignies), 1846.

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.
chrysotis: Gr. Khrusos= gold and otis, ous= eared, ear.

See more of the Family Thraupidae