Zarcerito Cabeciamarillo
Western Orange-headed Tanager (subsp.)
Thlypopsis (sordida) chrysopis
Song
Western Orange-headed Tanager (subsp.)
Appearance: As the name suggests, this bird has a bright orange head. The rest of its body is olive or grayish, with variations depending on the specific subspecies. It is a small to medium-sized tanager, with a compact build common to many tanager species. It may have subtle differences in plumage and size compared to other subspecies, but these are often difficult to discern without close observation.
Habitat: The Western Orange-headed Tanager is usually found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It can also inhabit secondary growth and shrublands.
Behavior: This tanager feeds on a variety of fruits, seeds, and insects. It often forages in the mid to upper levels of the forest canopy. It can be seen alone, in pairs, or in small groups, and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks.
Breeding: The species builds cup-shaped nests. These nests are usually located in trees or shrubs. Details about breeding seasons and specific reproductive behaviors in Colombia are not well-documented, but generally, tanagers lay a small clutch of eggs which they incubate for a few weeks.
Conservation Status: This subspecies of the Western Orange-headed Tanager is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
Andean Region: The Western Orange-headed Tanager is also present in the Andean region, particularly on the western and central Andean slopes. It can be found in montane forests and edge habitats up to certain elevations.
Taxonomy
The Western Orange-headed Tanager (subsp.) (Thlypopsis (sordida) chrysopis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thraupidae
- Genus: Thlypopsis
- Species: Thlypopsis sordida
- Subspecie: chrysopis
Vocalization
Song and Calls: The Western Orange-headed Tanager has a variety of vocalizations used for communication. These can include melodious songs, which are often used during the breeding season to attract mates and establish territory. Their songs are usually composed of a series of clear, sweet notes.
Alarm Calls: Like many birds, this tanager may use specific calls to signal danger or alert other birds to the presence of predators.
Contact Calls: These are shorter and simpler sounds used to maintain contact with other individuals, especially within flocks or between mates.
Social Interaction: Calls are important for communication within social groups. They help in coordinating movements, foraging activities, and maintaining group cohesion.
Predator Avoidance: Alarm calls serve to warn other birds of potential threats, allowing them to take evasive action.
