Spangle-cheeked Tanager
A species of Tangara Tanagers Scientific name : Tangara dowii Genus : Tangara Tanagers
Spangle-cheeked Tanager, A species of Tangara Tanagers
Botanical name: Tangara dowii
Genus: Tangara Tanagers
Content
Description
Description
The spangle-cheeked tanager (Tangara dowii) is a medium-sized passerine bird. This tanager is an endemic resident breeder in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. Formerly considered conspecific with the green-naped tanager, it is now known that these two species differ geographically and genetically. It is common from about 1,200 to 3,000 m (3,900 to 9,800 ft) altitude in the canopy of epiphyte-laden wet mountain forests, and at lower levels in semi-open areas like clearings with trees, second growth and woodland edges. The bulky cup nest, lined with bromeliad leaves, is built in a tree fork or on a branch high amongst the epiphytes. The normal clutch is two eggs. The adult spangle-cheeked tanager is 13 cm (5.1 in) long and weighs 20 g (0.71 oz). It has a mainly black head, upperparts and breast, with blue scaling on the breast, sides of the face and neck, and a rufous crown patch. The wings and tail have blue edgings. The rump is green and the belly is cinnamon. The sexes are very similar, but adult males have more extensive blue scaling. Immatures are generally duller, with no crown patch, and less distinct blue scaling. Spangle-cheeked tanagers occur in pairs, family groups, or as part of a mixed-species feeding flock (particularly those containing common bush tanagers). They eat small fruit, usually swallowed whole, insects and spiders. The spangle-cheeked tanager's call is a high tsip.
Size
12 cm
Feeding Habits
Spangle-cheeked Tanager primarily consumes fruits and insects, with a special preference for a wide range of small fruits and berries. The bird employs diverse foraging techniques to locate its varied diet, showcasing unique adaptations to exploit these food sources.
Habitat
The spangle-cheeked Tanager is predominantly found in mist-enshrouded, humid montane forests, often frequenting forest edges and areas of secondary growth. It is also associated with the canopy and taller trees in clearings that are in close proximity to forests. This bird species has an altitudinal range typically between 800 and 3000 meters but is most commonly observed at elevations from 1200 to 2750 meters across broad upland regions.
Dite type
Frugivorous
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Tanagers Genus
Tangara Tanagers Species
Spangle-cheeked Tanager