Glistening-green Tanager

Chlorochrysa phoenicotis

km58 Valle Del Cauca Colombia

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Chlorochrysa phoenicotis
  • Spanish Name: Tangara reluciente
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Known Nicknames: None commonly used
  • Average Length: 12.5–13 cm / 4.9–5.1 in
  • Average Weight: 21–24 g / 0.74–0.85 oz
  • Wingspan: 19–21 cm / 7.5–8.3 in
  • Key Feature: Brilliant iridescent emerald-green plumage with small orange and gray spots behind the eyes
  • Primary Diet: Omnivorous (primarily fruit and small arthropods)
  • Range: Western Andes of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador (Chocó bioregion)
  • Habitat: Humid montane mossy forests and cloud forest edges
  • Social Structure: Pairs or small groups, frequently joining mixed-species foraging flocks
  • Nesting/Breeding: Cup-shaped nest in dense tree foliage
  • Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
  • Population Trend: Stable

The Glistening-green Tanager (*Chlorochrysa phoenicotis*) is a breathtakingly vibrant songbird native to the humid montane forests of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador. True to its name, this species is cloaked in a solid, luminous emerald-green plumage that appears to radiate an almost electric glow against the misty canopy. What truly sets it apart are its subtle yet striking accents: a tiny, brilliant orange-yellow patch located just behind each eye and a small, fiery red spot on its "shoulders." Despite its flamboyant appearance, this jewel-like bird is a master of movement, flitting rapidly through moss-covered branches to forage for fruits and insects, often as a dazzling member of mixed-species flocks. Its combination of monochromatic intensity and delicate facial markings makes it one of the most distinctive and sought-after sightings in the high-altitude cloud forests of South America.

Faits amusants

Renowned for its almost neon, iridescent plumage, this bird often appears to glow against the misty backdrop of the Andean cloud forests. It features distinctive bright orange "ear" patches and subtle red shoulder spots that serve as vivid accents to its emerald body. A true acrobat of the canopy, it is frequently observed hanging completely upside down to glean insects or pluck berries from the undersides of mossy branches. Interestingly, it often functions as a "nuclear" species in mixed foraging flocks, acting as a social leader that coordinates the movement of various other bird species through the trees.

Habitats et répartition

This species is restricted to the humid western slopes of the Andes, stretching from western Colombia southward into northwestern Ecuador. It is primarily found within the Chocó bioregion, occupying an elevational range that typically spans from 700 to 2,200 meters above sea level. Within this range, it inhabits the canopy and sub-canopy of wet montane forests, cloud forests, and mature secondary growth. It is particularly drawn to moss-covered trees and areas rich in epiphytes, though it can also be observed along forest edges and in nearby clearings with remaining tall trees.

Comportements & Reproduction

This species is primarily active in the upper canopy of humid forests, where it frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Socially, it is most often seen in pairs or small family groups, moving with agility through the foliage to consume a diet of small fruits and arthropods. While it integrates well into larger avian groups for foraging, it maintains a focused territorial presence during the nesting period. Breeding behavior typically involves monogamous pairing, with nesting sites often situated in dense moss or epiphytic growth to provide camouflage. The female constructs a compact, cup-shaped nest where she typically lays one to two eggs. Both parents are involved in the care of the young, demonstrating a biparental investment strategy that ensures the survival of the offspring in competitive cloud forest environments.

Alimentation

The Glistening-green Tanager maintains an omnivorous diet that primarily consists of a variety of small fruits and berries, particularly those from the Melastomataceae family, which provide essential sugars and nutrients. In addition to its frugivorous tendencies, this bird is an active insectivore, frequently scouring moss-covered branches and the undersides of leaves for spiders, larvae, and small winged insects. An interesting aspect of its feeding behavior is its remarkable agility; it is known for its acrobatic maneuvers, often hanging upside down to reach hidden prey or fruit in the dense canopy of humid montane forests. Furthermore, these tanagers are highly social foragers, often joining mixed-species flocks to capitalize on communal hunting and increased protection while moving through the mid-to-upper levels of the forest.

Couleurs

The Glistening-green Tanager is characterized by its brilliant, iridescent emerald-green plumage, which provides seamless camouflage within mossy cloud forest canopies. This uniform coloration is interrupted only by a small, vivid orange-red patch behind the eye and a tiny yellow spot on the shoulder. These minimal markings and intense green hue allow the bird to blend perfectly into the lush, humid foliage of its habitat.