Bay-headed Tanager

The Bay-headed Tanager, scientifically known as Tangara gyrola, is a medium-sized passerine bird adorned with a striking chestnut head. The adult of the nominate race, T. g. gyrola, boasts a predominantly green plumage, complemented by a blue or green belly and a delicate gold collar gracing the hind neck. Both sexes share a similar appearance, while the immature birds present a more subdued look with green heads flecked with chestnut. The species exhibits a notable variation in plumage among its nine recognized subspecies.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Bay-headed Tanager, look for its distinctive chestnut head, which sets it apart from other tanagers. The bird measures approximately 14 cm in length and weighs around 19.5 g. The various subspecies may show differences in the shade of their underparts, with T. g. viridissima from northeast Venezuela and Trinidad displaying green underparts that match the rest of the body.

Habitat

This tanager favors forested environments, showing a preference for the more humid regions. It is adept at making its home in these lush habitats, where it constructs a bulky cup nest within the trees.

Distribution

The Bay-headed Tanager is a resident breeder with a wide range extending from Costa Rica and Panama through South America to Ecuador, Bolivia, and northwestern Brazil. It is also found on the island of Trinidad.

Behaviour

Bay-headed Tanagers are sociable creatures, often seen in groups. They primarily feed on fruit, which they typically consume whole. Insects also form part of their diet, with a particular penchant for those found on the underside of branches.

Song & Calls

The song of the Bay-headed Tanager is a melodious sequence of slow 'seee, seee, seee, tsou, tsooy' notes, which can be heard resonating through their forested habitats.

Breeding

The species constructs a robust cup-shaped nest in trees to lay their clutch, typically consisting of two white eggs adorned with brown blotches. The female takes on the responsibility of incubating the eggs for a period of 13 to 14 days until they hatch. The fledging period for the chicks lasts an additional 15 to 16 days.

Similar Species

While there are many tanagers, the Bay-headed Tanager can be distinguished by its unique head coloration and the variations in plumage among its subspecies.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Bay-headed Tanager is predominantly frugivorous, with a preference for swallowing fruits whole. They also supplement their diet with insects, skillfully foraging from the underside of branches.

Conservation status

The Bay-headed Tanager is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.