Tangará de Tatama
Gold-ringed Tanager
Bangsia aureocincta
Song
Gold-ringed Tanager
Appearance: The Gold-ringed Tanager is known for its vibrant plumage. It features a green body with a marked golden or orange ring around its neck. The wings and tail are often tinged with blue or turquoise, adding to its colorful appearance. The bird has a stout bill, which is common in tanagers.
Habitat: This species inhabits the humid montane forests of the western Andes. It is found at elevations ranging from 1300 to 2200 m. The Gold-ringed Tanager prefers dense, mossy forest environments where it can find abundant food and shelter.
Behavior: Gold-ringed Tanagers are active and social birds. They are often seen foraging in pairs or small groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Their diet consists of fruits, insects, and other small invertebrates. These birds are known for their energetic behavior, flitting among branches and foliage as they search for food.
Breeding: The breeding habits of the Gold-ringed Tanager are not well-documented, but they breed during the rainy season when food is abundant. They are presumed to build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, where they lay a small clutch of eggs. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: The Gold-ringed Tanager is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Gold-ringed Tanager is endemic to Colombia, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its distribution is restricted to the western Andes in the departments of Antioquia, Chocó, and Risaralda. The bird's range is limited, and it is considered rare within its habitat, further emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts in these areas.
Taxonomy
The Gold-ringed Tanager (Bangsia aureocincta)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thraupidae
- Genus: Bangsia
- Species: Bangsia aureocincta
Vocalization
Communication: Like many birds, the Gold-ringed Tanager uses vocalizations to communicate with other members of its species. These calls can convey information about food sources, alert others to potential dangers, or maintain contact with flock members.
Territorial Defense: Males often use vocalizations to establish and defend their territories. Singing from prominent perches can help deter other males from encroaching on their space and attract potential mates.
Mate Attraction: During the breeding season, vocalizations play a vital role in attracting mates. The complexity and frequency of a male's song can be a factor in female choice, as it may indicate the health and vitality of the singer.
Alarm Calls: Alarm calls are used to warn other tanagers and nearby birds of predators or threats. These calls can vary depending on the type of threat, such as aerial predators like hawks or ground threats like snakes.
Survival: Alarm calls and other vocal signals can enhance survival by alerting individuals to danger, allowing them to take evasive action promptly..
Purpose
Social Cohesion: Maintaining group cohesion is essential, especially in dense forest habitats where visibility is limited. Vocalizations help keep flock members together and coordinate movements.
Reproductive Success: Effective communication through song can increase reproductive success by securing territories rich in resources and attracting high-quality mates.
