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Photo: © Alexandre Gualhanone eBird S24279545 Macaulay Library ML 169541691
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Yellow-backed Tanager

Hemithraupis flavicollis
Pintasilgo Culiamarillo
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Song

Yellow-backed Tanager

Appearance: The Yellow-backed Tanager is a small bird species found in Colombia and other parts of South America. It is known for its striking yellow back and head, contrasting with a black mask and wings. The belly and chest are typically white or light gray.
Habitat: Yellow-backed Tanagers are typically found in humid forests and forest edges, as well as coffee plantations and gardens. They are often seen foraging for insects and fruits in the canopy of trees.
Breeding: The reproduction season for Yellow-backed Tanagers occurs from March to June. They build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, and the female usually lays 2-3 eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
Conservation status:  The Yellow-backed Tanager is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
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Photo: © Alexandre Gualhanone eBird S24279545 Macaulay Library ML 169541691
FEMALE
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Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S57948520 Macaulay Library ML 250772291

Distribution

The Yellow-backed Tanager is found in various regions of Colombia, primarily in the southern parts of the country. It is commonly found in the Andean as well as in the Magdalena Valley, Antioquia, and some parts of northern Choco. The Yellow-backed Tanager has a relatively wide distribution across Colombia, favoring humid forests and forest edges at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

Taxonomy

The Yellow-backed Tanager (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Hemithraupis
  • Species: Hemithraupis flavicollis

Vocalization

Communication: Vocalizations help these birds communicate with one another, conveying information about their presence, location, and identity.

Territoriality: Males often sing to establish and defend their territory, warning other males to stay away from their claimed area.
Mate Attraction: During the breeding season, vocalizations play a key role in attracting potential mates. Males may use specific songs to demonstrate their fitness and genetic quality.

Social Interaction: Vocalizations can facilitate social bonding among individuals in flocks, helping to maintain group cohesion and coordination during foraging.

Alerting to Predators: Vocal calls can also serve as alarm signals to alert other birds in the area about the presence of predators.