Multicolored Tanager

Chlorochrysa nitidissima

Cali Valle Del Cauca Colombia

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Chlorochrysa nitidissima
  • Spanish Name: Tangara multicolor
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Known Nicknames: Tangara multicolor
  • Average Length: 12–13 cm / 4.7–5.1 in
  • Average Weight: 18–22 g / 0.63–0.78 oz
  • Wingspan: 18–22 cm / 7.1–8.7 in
  • Key Feature: Highly iridescent plumage with a golden-yellow mantle, bright green underparts, and distinct chestnut-and-black ear patches
  • Primary Diet: Omnivorous (Primarily Frugivore and Insectivore)
  • Range: Endemic to the Western and Central Cordilleras of the Colombian Andes
  • Habitat: Subtropical and tropical moist montane forests and cloud forests
  • Social Structure: Pairs or small groups, frequently participating in mixed-species foraging flocks
  • Nesting/Breeding: Cup nests constructed in dense vegetation or tree canopies
  • Conservation Status: Vulnerable (VU)
  • Population Trend: Decreasing

The Multicolored Tanager (*Chlorochrysa nitidissima*) is a breathtakingly vibrant bird endemic to the cloud forests of the Colombian Andes, living up to its name with a kaleidoscope of brilliant, jewel-toned plumage. This small passerine is easily distinguished by its emerald-green body, which is dramatically contrasted by a glowing golden-yellow crown and mantle, a deep blue rump, and striking chestnut-and-black patches on its throat and ears. Its feathers possess an almost metallic iridescence that shimmers as it flits through the misty canopy in search of fruit and insects. Beyond its stunning aesthetic, the Multicolored Tanager is a symbol of biodiversity and conservation, as its specialized habitat requirements and limited range have led to its classification as a vulnerable species, making every sighting of this living rainbow a rare and precious experience.

Fun Facts

This acrobatic bird is famous for its "clinging" foraging style, often hanging completely upside down from mossy branches to snatch insects and berries that other birds cannot reach. Despite its neon-bright mosaic of emerald, gold, and sapphire feathers, it can disappear instantly into the sun-dappled canopy of the Colombian Andes, using its complex patterns as a form of disruptive camouflage. The Multicolored Tanager is also a social leader, frequently acting as the "nuclear" member of mixed-species foraging flocks where its presence helps coordinate the movement of various other bird species through the forest. Notably, while both sexes are colorful, only the males sport the signature fiery orange-yellow mantle that glows like a beacon during courtship displays.

Habitats & Distribution

This endemic bird is restricted to the western and central Andes of Colombia, where its distribution is notably fragmented across the slopes of the Pacific and the Cauca River valley. It typically occupies an altitudinal range between 1,300 and 2,200 meters above sea level. Within these mountainous regions, it favors humid montane forests and cloud forests, particularly those with a high density of epiphytes, mosses, and lichens. The species predominantly inhabits the forest canopy but is also frequently observed along forest edges and in mature secondary growth. It requires well-preserved primary forest tracts but can persist in fragmented landscapes if there is sufficient connectivity between woodland patches. Its presence is closely tied to the availability of diverse fruiting trees and the undisturbed humid environments characteristic of the Colombian cloud forest ecosystem.

Behaviours & Reproduction

This species exhibits a highly social nature, frequently participating in mixed-species foraging flocks as it searches for insects and small fruits within the forest canopy. They are typically observed moving in pairs or small family groups, maintaining an active presence throughout their restricted montane habitat. During the breeding season, which predominantly occurs from November to January, they become more territorial to secure and defend suitable nesting sites. Their reproductive strategy involves constructing small, well-concealed cup nests made of moss and rootlets, often hidden high in the subcanopy to avoid predation. While detailed observations of their mating rituals are scarce, it is known that they typically lay a clutch of two eggs. Both parents participate in the rearing process, sharing the responsibilities of feeding and protecting the young until they reach independence.

Diet

The Multicolored Tanager maintains an omnivorous diet that primarily consists of small fruits and various arthropods. It is frequently observed consuming berries from trees in the Melastomataceae and Moraceae families, particularly figs, which constitute a significant portion of its nutritional intake. An interesting aspect of its feeding behavior is its high level of activity and acrobatic prowess; these birds are often seen clinging to the underside of leaves or hanging upside down from moss-covered branches to glean insects and larvae or to reach ripening fruit. Furthermore, this species typically forages within mixed-species flocks in the subcanopy and canopy, a social strategy that likely enhances its ability to locate patchy food resources while minimizing the risk of predation.

Colors

The Multicolored Tanager boasts a brilliant emerald green plumage highlighted by a golden-yellow crown and mantle. It features a striking rufous-orange throat, distinct black ear patches, and shimmering blue-green wings and tail. A small chestnut-red spot on the nape completes this high-contrast mosaic, which helps the bird blend into the vibrant, sun-dappled canopy of Andean cloud forests.