Silver-throated Tanagers

The Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala) is a medium-sized passerine bird that is about 13 cm long and weighs 21g.

The male is mainly yellow, with black streaks down its back, and a whitish throat bordered above with a black malar (cheek) stripe. The wings and tail are black with pale green edgings.

Males and females look alike, but adult females have duller and greener-tinged yellow plumage, and sometimes dark mottling on the crown.

Immatures are much duller and greener, with dusky wings, tail, back streaks and malar (cheek) stripe, a grey throat and darker green wing edging.

Tanager InformationTanager SpeciesTanager Species Photo Gallery

Distribution and Habitat

This tanager is a resident breeder in the highlands from Costa Rica to western Ecuador. Common from about 600 m to 1700 m altitude in the lower and middle levels of wet mountain forests and adjacent semi-open areas like clearings with shade trees, second growth and woodland edges.

In the heavy rains of the wet season, it will descend to sea level.

Nesting / Breeding

The compact cup nest is built 1-13 m high in a tree on a branch. The normal clutch is two brown-blotched off-white eggs.

This species will raise two broods in a season Silver-throated Tanagers occur in pairs, small groups, or as part of a mixed-species feeding flock.

Diet

They eat small fruit, usually swallowed whole, insects and spiders.

Photo of author

Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

We love to hear from our readers. If you have any questions or if you want to get in touch with us, you can find our contact details on our About Us page.

Leave a Comment