Tanagers
Order: PASSERIFORMES - Family: THRAUPIDAE |
408 Species currently existing - 179 in region + 1 vagrant |
Appearance: Tanagers are a diverse group of birds known for their vibrant colors. In Colombia, species like the Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea), Golden Tanager (Tangara schrankii), and Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) showcase a range of colors from bright reds and yellows to blues and greens. They generally have a stout body, short neck, and a conical bill which is well-adapted for their diet.
Habitat: Tanagers predominantly inhabit tropical and subtropical forests. In Colombia, they can be found in various environments, such as:
Lowland rainforests: Rich in biodiversity, offering abundant food resources.
Cloud forests: Higher elevation areas with cooler temperatures and moss-covered trees.
Savannas and gardens: Some species adapt to open areas where they can forage.
Behavior: Tanagers are generally social birds, often seen in small flocks. They are agile and can be quite acrobatic when foraging for food, which includes fruits, insects, and nectar. Many species are known to sing melodiously, contributing to the rich soundscape of their habitats.
Breeding: Breeding seasons can vary among species, but many tanagers in Colombia typically breed during the rainy season when food is more abundant. They build their nests in trees, often hidden among leaves for protection. The female usually lays a few eggs, which she incubates. Parental care is shared, with both parents often involved in feeding the chicks.
Plushcap
Catamblyrhynchus diadema
Spanish Name: Gorrión Afelpado
Size: 5.5 in | 14 cm
Habitat: Lower paramo, montane forest
Height: 2000 - 2500 m
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S109867546 Macaulay Library ML 448311091
Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak
Parkerthraustes humeralis
Spanish Name: Picogordo Verdiamarillo
Size: 6.5 in | 14 cm
Habitat: humid forest
Height: <820 m
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S141837478 Macaulay Library ML 586451241
Hooded Tanager
Nemosia pileata
Spanish Name: Trinadora Pechiblanca
Size:5 in | 13 cm
Habitat: Moist woodland
Height: <600 m
Photo: © Jay McGowan eBird S12633718 Macaulay Library ML 38469781
Wedge-tailed Grass-finch
Emberizoides herbicola
Spanish Name: Sabanero Coludo
Size: 7.5 in | 19 cm
Habitat: Grassland
Height: <1800 m
Photo: © Marcos Eugênio Birding Guide eBird S46673482 Macaulay Library ML 104994501
Green Honeycreeper
Chlorophanes spiza
Spanish Name: Mielero Verde
Size:5 in | 14 cm
Habitat: Humid forest
Height: <2300 m
Photo: © Luis A. Materon
Golden-collared Honeycreeper
Iridophanes pulcherrimus
Spanish Name: Mielero Opalino
Size: 5 in | 13 cm
Habitat: Humid forest
Height: 1000 -1900 m
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S70541052 Macaulay Library ML 244010141
Black-and-yellow Tanager
Chrysothlypis chrysomelas
Spanish Name: Chococito Negriamarilla
Size: 5 in |13 cm
Habitat: Borders of humid forest
Height: 100 - 1200 m
Photo: © Brandon Miller eBird S43588590 Macaulay Library ML 90057891
Scarlet-browed Tanager
Heterospingus xanthopygius
Spanish Name: Chambergo Cejirrojo
Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: Borders of humid forests
Height: <1200 m
Photo: © Edwin Munera eBird S32492369 Macaulay Library ML 39624341
Yellow-backed Tanager
Hemithraupis flavicolis
Spanish Name: Pintasilgo Culiamarillo
Size: 5 in | 13 cm
Habitat: Border of humid forest
Height: <1200 m
Photo: © Alexandre Gualhanone eBird S24279545 Macaulay Library ML 169541691
Swallow Tanager
Tersina viridis
Spanish Name: Azulejo Golondrina
Size: 6 in | 15 cm
Habitat: Borders of humid forests
Height: <2000 m
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S58529620 Macaulay Library ML 250764021
Purple Honeycreeper
Cyanerpes caeruleus
Spanish Name: Mielero cerúleo
Size: 4 in | 11 cm
Habitat: Border of humid forest
Height: <1500 m
Photo: © Amy Simmons eBird S32685880 Macaulay Library ML 42480151
Red-legged Honeycreeper
Cyanerpes cyaneus
Spanish Name: Mielero Patirrojo
Size: 4.8 in | 12.2 cm
Habitat: Dry to humid forests
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S123801468 Macaulay Library ML 513864281
Shining Honeycreeper
Cyanerpes lucidus
Spanish Name: Mielero Patiamarillo
Size: 4 in | 11 cm
Habitat: Border of humid forest
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S64915859 Macaulay Library ML 213060041
Scarlet-breasted Dacnis
Dacnis berlepschi
Spanish Name: Dacnis Pechirroja
Size: 4.5 in | 11.5 cm
Habitat: Border of wet forest
Height: 200 - 1200 m
Photo: © Robert Johnson eBird S40734771 Macaulay Library ML 87354401
Scarlet -thighed Dacnis
Dacnis venusta
Spanish Name: Dacnis Negriazul
Size: 4.8 in | 12.1 cm
Habitat: Humid and wet forest borders
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © fernando Burgalin Sequeria eBird S58497784 Macaulay Library ML 171902601
Yellow-bellied Dacnis
Dacnis flaviventer
Spanish Name: Dacnis Pechiamarilla
Size: 5 in | 13 cm
Habitat: Border of humid forest
Height: <1300 m
Photo: © Noah Frade eBird S38398251 Macaulay Library ML 65054131
Turquoise Dacnis
Dacnis hartlaubi
Spanish Name: Dacnis Turquesa
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Canopy of humid forest
Height: 850 - 2200 m
Photo: © Nick Athanas eBird S45495847 Macaulay Library ML 99274371
Yellow-tufted Dacnis
Dacnis egregia
Spanish Name: Dacnis Mechiamarilla
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Coffee plantations
Height: <1200 m
Photo: © Edwin Munera eBird S28516932 Macaulay Library ML 26098781
Viridian Dacnis
Dacnis viguieri
Spanish Name: Dacnis Aguamarina
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Borders wet and humid forests.
Height: <600 m
Photo: © Edwin Munera eBird S37851595 Macaulay Library ML 62133631
White-bellied Dacnis
Dacnis albiventris
Spanish Name: Dacnis Pechiblanca
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Humid forest
Height: <500 m
Photo: © Héctor Bottai eBird S57494137 Macaulay Library ML 164779251
Orinocan Saltator
Saltator orenocensis
Spanish Name: Saltador Cejiblanco
Size: 8 in | 20 cm
Habitat: Dry woodland
Height: <500 m
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S127810712 Macaulay Library ML 532668241
Amazonian Grayish Saltator
Saltator coerulescens
Spanish Name: Saltador Papayero
Size: 8 in | 20 cm
Habitat: Forest borders near rivers
Height: < 1300 m
Photo: © Marco Valentini Macaulay Library eBird
Streaked Saltator
Saltator striatipectus
Spanish Name: Saltador Pío-judío
Size: 8 in | 20 cm
Habitat: Dry to humid woodland
Height: <2100 m
Photo: © Luis A.Materon
Buff-throated Saltator
Saltator maximus
Spanish Name: Saltador Ajicero
Size: 8 in | 20 cm
Habitat: Borders of humid forests
Height: <1800 m
Photo: © fernando Burgalin Sequeria eBird S51720335 Macaulay Library ML 135445881
Slate-colored Saltator
Saltator grossus
Spanish Name: Picogordo Pizarra
Size: 19 in | 7.5 cm
Habitat: Humid and wet forest
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © fernando Burgalin Sequeria eBird S85258617 Macaulay Library ML 325749001
Masked Saltator
Saltator cinctus
Spanish Name: Saltador Chusquero
Size: 8.5 in | 22 cm
Habitat: Humid and wet forests
Height: 2000 - 3000 m
Photo: © Dorian Anderson eBird S47432861 Macaulay Library ML 112810901
Bananaquit
Coereba flaveola
Spanish Name: Mielero Común
Size: 4.3 in | 11 cm
Habitat: Borders of dry and humid forests
Height: <2000 m
Photo: © Luis A. Materon
Black-faced Grassquit
Melanospiza bicolor
Spanish Name: Semillero Pechinegro
Size: 4 in | 10.2 cm
Habitat: Dry and arid weedy areas
Height: <1400 m
Photo: © Larry Therrien eBird S34246697 Macaulay Library ML 48476931
Sooty Grassquit
Asemospiza fuliginosa
Spanish Name: Semillero Tiznado
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Dry and humid - regenerating burned areas
Height: <1400 m
Photo: © Kamal Mahabir eBird S32511378 Macaulay Library ML 39746001
Dull-colored Grassquit
Asemospiza obscura
Spanish Name: Semillero Pardo
Size: 4.3 in | 11 cm
Habitat: Shrubs in humid borders
Height: <1700 m
Photo: © Brad DawsoneBird S58419713 Macaulay Library ML 190996831
Black-and-white Tanager
Conothraupis speculigera
Spanish Name: Frutero Blanco y Negro
Size: 6.5 in | 16.5 cm
Habitat: Humid forest by river borders
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Gil Ewing eBird S54120263 Macaulay Library ML 147920991
Rufous-crested Tanager
Creurgops verticalis
Spanish Name: Buscaquiches Rufo
Size: 6.5 in | 16.5 cm
Habitat: Border of wet and humid forest
Height: 1500 - 2800 m
Photo: © Julian Zuleta (Organización Ambiental Vida silvestre) eBird S24948808 Macaulay Library ML 129774821
Gray-headed Tanager
Eucometis penicillata
Spanish Name: Tangará Hormiguera Cabecigris
Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: Dry, humid and wet forest
Height: < m
Photo: © Dorian Anderson eBird S57998469 Macaulay Library ML 168740301
Southern Gray-headed Tanager
Eucometis (penicillata) penicillata
Spanish Name: Tangará Cabecigris Sureña
Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: Humid lowland forest
Height: <800 m
Photo: © Charley Hesse eBird S57299997 Macaulay Library ML 163843651
Flame-crested Tanager
Loriotus cristatus
Spanish Name: Parlotero Crestado
Size: 6.5 in | 16.5cm
Habitat: Dry to humid forest
Height: <800 m
Photo: © João Menezes eBird S37328682 Macaulay Library ML 67361901
White-shouldered Tanager
Loriotus luctuosus
Spanish Name: Parlotero Aliblanco
Size: 5.5 in | 14 cm
Habitat: Dry to humid forest
Height: <1200 m
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S106333162 Macaulay Library ML 432565201
Pileated Finch
Coryphospingus pileatus
Spanish Name: Cardonero Coronirrojo
Size: 5.3 in | 13.5 cm
Habitat: Dry to moist forest borders
Height: <700 m
Photo: © Ciro Albano eBird S60930974 Macaulay Library ML 185096651
Red-crested Finch
Coryphospingus cucullatus
Spanish Name: Soldadito Crestirrojo
Size: 5.3 in | 13.5 cm
Habitat: Scrubby humid foothills
Height: <800 m
Photo: © Raphael Kurz - Aves do Sul eBird S116227882 Macaulay Library ML 472239681
Crimson-breasted Finch
Rhodospingus cruentus
Spanish Name: Pinzón Carmesí
Size: 4.5in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Forest border with bush
Height: <200 m
Photo: © Bob Shettler eBird S46243347 Macaulay Library ML 103089231
Tawny-crested Tanager
Chrysocorypha delatrii
Spanish Name: Parlotero Crestado
Size: 5.5 in | 14 cm
Habitat: Borders of humid and wet forests
Height: <1200 m
Photo: © fernando Burgalin Sequeria eBird S51666675 Macaulay Library ML 135022211
Red-shouldered Tanager
Tachyphonus phoenicius
Spanish Name: Parlotero Hombrirrojo
Size: 5.5 in | 14 cm
Habitat: Scrubby woodland
Height: <400 m
Photo: © Örjan Sjögren eBird S41667610 Macaulay Library ML 80766761
White-lined Tanager
Tachyphonus rufus
Spanish Name: Parlotero Malcasado
Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: Humid forest border
Height: <2000 m
Photo: © Luis A. Materon
Masked Crimson Tanager
Rhamphocelus nigrogularis
Spanish Name: Toche Carmesí
Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: Forest borders near water sources
Height: <800 m
Photo: © Renato Espinosa eBird S50352830 Macaulay Library ML 127320201
Crimson-backed Tanager
Rhamphocelus dimidiatus
Spanish Name: Toche Pico-de-plata
Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: Forest border with shrubs
Height: <2200 m
Photo: © Luis A. Materon
Silver-beaked Tanager
Rhamphocelus carbo
Spanish Name: Toche Negro
Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: River borders
Height: <1300 m
Photo: © Roger Ahlman eBird S40599557 Macaulay Library ML 76822831
Lemon-rumped Tanager (subsp.)
Rhamphocelus (flammigerus) icteronotus
Spanish Name: Asoma Culiamarilla
Size: 7.5 in | 19 cm
Habitat: Shrubby borders of forest
Height: <1500 m
Photo: © Luis A. Materon
Flamed-rumped Tanager (subsp.)
Rhamphacelus (flammigerus) flammigerus
Spanish Name: Asoma Candela
Size: 7.5 in | 19 cm
Habitat: Shrubby forest borders
Height: 600 - 2200 m
Photo: © Luis A. Materon
Lesson's Seedeater
Sporophila bouvronides
Spanish Name: Espiguero de Lesson
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Pastureland, grassy areas
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Juan Sebastian Moreno eBird S22632653 Macaulay Library ML 24004341
Black-breasted Seedeater
Sporophila ophtalmica
Spanish Name: Espiguero Pechinegro
Size: 4.3 in | 11 cm
Habitat: Grassy areas and crops
Height: <1500 m
Photo: ©
Gray Seedeater
Sporophila intermedia
Spanish Name: Espiguero Gris
Size: 4.3 in | 11 cm
Habitat: Grassy areas of dry and humid environment
Height: <2200 m
Photo: © Juan Sebastian Moreno eBird S20068361 Macaulay Library ML 24005461
Caqueta Seedeater
Sporophila murallae
Spanish Name: Espiguero de Caquetá
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Riparian wet areas
Height: <700 m
Photo: © Jeff 'JP' Peters eBird S47802848 Macaulay Library ML 112405701
Black-and-white Seedeater
Sporophila luctuosa
Spanish Name: Espiguero Negriblanco
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Grass bushy areas
Height: 1500 - 2500 m
Photo: © Margareta Wieser eBird S65119277 Macaulay Library ML 205397191
Double-collared Seedeater
Sporophila caerulescens
Spanish Name: Espiguero Collarejo
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Amazon region
Height: <200 m
Photo: © Nahuel Melisa Aguirre Gago eBird S40825846 Macaulay Library ML 76798521
Yellow-bellied Seedeater
Sporophila nigricolis
Spanish Name: Espiguero Capuchino
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Shrubs and grassy areas
Height: <2200 m
Photo: © Luis A. Materon
Chestnut-bellied Seed-finch
Sporophila angolensis
Spanish Name: Arrocero Buchicastaño
Size: 5 in | 13 cm
Habitat: Shrubby and grassy fields
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Bradley Hacker eBird S39026298 Macaulay Library ML 68155171
Large-billed Seed-finch
Sporophila crassirostris
Spanish Name: Arrocero Renegrido
Size: 5.5 in | 14 cm
Habitat: Wet grassy and shrubby areas
Height: <1300 m
Photo: © Juan carlos Hincapie consonni Macaulay Library ML 143505851
Slate-colored Seedeater
Sporophila schistacea
Spanish Name: Espiguero Pizarra
Size: 4.5 in | 11.4 cm
Habitat: Brushy and grassy fields
Height: <2000 m
Photo: © Bradley Hacker eBird S39026609 Macaulay Library ML 68178081
Chestnut-throated Seedeater
Sporophila telasco
Spanish Name: Espiguero Pechiblanco
Size: 4 in | 10.2 cm
Habitat: Dry and humid grasslands
Height: <200 m
Photo: © Dorian Anderson eBird S46926770 Macaulay Library ML 112811541
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater
Sporophila castaneiventris
Spanish Name: Espiguero Buchicastaño
Size: 4 in | 10.2 cm
Habitat: Along riverbanks, grassy areas
Height: <1200 m
Photo: © Marcelo Corella eBird S61977360 Macaulay Library ML 193495991
Ruddy-breasted Seedeater
Sporophila minuta
Spanish Name: Espiguero Ladrillo
Size: 4 in | 10.2 cm
Habitat: Shrubby and grassy areas
Height: <1200 m
Photo: © Daniel Hernandez eBird S68432791 Macaulay Library ML 232168871
Gray-hooded Bush-tanager (subsp.)
Cnemoscopus (rubrirostris) rubrirostris
Spanish Name: Montero Piquirrojo
Size: 6 in | 15 cm
Habitat: Humid forest
Height: 2000 -3300 m
Photo: © Jeff Tingle eBird S123358797 Macaulay Library ML 521035091
Black-headed Hemispingus
Pseudospingus verticalis
Spanish Name: Hemispingus Tiznado
Size: 5.5 in | 14 cm
Habitat: Dense wet cold montane forest.
Height: 2900 - 3600 m
Photo: © Rob Felix eBird S41652922 Macaulay Library ML 83983671
Black-capped Hemispingus
Kleinothraupis atropileus
Spanish Name: Hemispingus Cabecinegro
Size: 6.5 in | 16.5 cm
Habitat: Dense cold wet forest
Height: 1800 - 3600 m
Photo: © Luke Seitz eBird S8100027 Macaulay Library ML 36592601
Western Hemispingus
Sphenopsis ochracea
Spanish Name: Hemispingus Occidental
Size: 5.5in | 14 cm
Habitat: Wet forest
Height: 1600 - 2200 m
Photo: © Nick Athanas eBird S14307860 Macaulay Library ML 185318331
Black-eared Hemispingus
Sphenopsis melanotis
Spanish Name: Hemispingus de Antifaz
Size: 6 in | 15 cm
Habitat: Humid montane forest
Height: 1700 - 2900 m
Photo: © Bradley Hacker eBird S39026273 Macaulay Library ML 68128121
Northern Black-eared Hemispingus (subsp.)
Sphenopsis (melanotis) melanotis
Spanish Name: Hemispingus de Antifaz
Size: 6in | 15 cm
Habitat: Dense cold wet forest
Height: 1700 - 2900 m
Photo: © Jay McGowan eBird S27755766 Macaulay Library ML 25903981
Orange-headed Tanager
Thlypopsis sordida
Spanish Name: Zarcerito Cabeciamarillo
Size: 5 in | 13 cm
Habitat: Riverbanks
Height: <400 m
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S143247740 Macaulay Library ML 591873281
Western Orange-headed Tanager (subsp.)
Thlypopsis (sordida) chrysopis
Spanish Name: Zarcerito Cabeciamarillo
Size: 5 in | 13 cm
Habitat: Riverbanks
Height: <400 m
Photo: © Nick Athanas https://www.flickr.com