Golden-naped Tanager (Chalcothraupis ruficervix)

Identification & Behavior: ~13 cm (5.1 in). The Golden-naped Tanager is turquoise blue with a reduced golden patch (inca) or larger golden area (amabilis) on the nape. The center of the belly, vent, and undertail coverts are buffy-brown. It forages in the forest canopy often in the company of mixed species flocks. It is similar to the Blue-and-Black Tanager but is distinguished by being overall turquoise blue and the orange-gold patch on the nape.

Status: The Golden-naped Tanager is uncommon in humid montane forests of the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1000-2400 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Tangara de Nuca Dorada.

Sub-species: Golden-naped Tanager (Chalcothraupis ruficervix taylori), (Taczanowski & Berlepsch), 1885.  E Ecuador (S to W Loja) and extreme N Peru (N of R Marañon, in vicinity of Cajamarca).
(Chalcothraupis ruficervix amabilis), J. T. Zimmer, 1943.  E slope of Andes in N Peru (S at least to Huánuco).
(Chalcothraupis ruficervix inca), Parkes, 1969.  S Peru (Junín S to Puno).
(Chalcothraupis ruficervix fulvicervix), (P. L. Sclater & Salvin), 1876.  E slope of Andes in extreme SE Peru (near Bolivian border) and Bolivia (La Paz and Cochabamba).

Meaning of Name: Chalcothraupis: Gr. Khalkos: bronze and thraupis= unknown small bird, perhaps some sort of finch. ruficervix: L. rufus= red and cervix, cervicis= nape.

Formerly known as Tangara ruficervix (2018).

See more of the Family Thraupidae