Blue-necked tanager

Tangara cyanicollis

Photo by Biswarup Satpati (Trek Nature)

Common name:
blue-necked tanager (en); saíra-de-cabeça-azul (pt); calliste à cou bleu (fr); tangara cabeciazul (es); azurkopftangare (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Passeriforme
Family Thraupidae

Range:
This South American species occurs in two separate populations. One found along the lower slopes of the Andes, from Venezuela and Colombia south, on the west side of the Andes, to western Ecuador, and, on the east side of the Andes, south to Bolivia. The other population occupies the lowlands of southern Amazone forest, in central Brazil and marginally into eastern Bolivia.

Size:
These birds are 12-13 cm long and weigh 14-19 g.

Habitat:
The blue-necked tanager is found in tropical scrublands and dry savannas, as well as in the canopy of primary evergreen rainforests and also in plantations and second growths. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 2.400 m.

Diet:
They are omnivorous, eating insects, flower buds and fruits. Among others, they are known to eat Miconia berries and Cecropia catkins and fruits.

Breeding:
Blue-necked tanagers can probably breed all year round. They nest in a tree hollow, lined with leaves and moss, where the female lays 2 white eggs with brown spots. The female incubates the eggs alone for 13-15 days, while the male brings her food. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 15-20 days after hatching, becoming independent about 3 weeks later.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is described as fairly common. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.