The bay-headed tanager is a small but striking bird, measuring about 14 cm long and weighing just 19.5 grams. With nine subspecies, this species exhibits a range of beautiful plumage variations. The nominate species stands out with its vivid green body, chestnut-red head, bright blue belly, and a golden band around its neck.
Male and female bay-headed tanagers look quite similar, but subtle differences in their head shapes can help distinguish them. Males tend to have flatter heads, while females have a rounder appearance. On the other hand, juvenile birds have duller feathers, often with brown spots on their heads.
These tanagers are found across Central and South America, residing in Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Bolivia, southern Brazil, and Trinidad.
They prefer forested environments, living high in the canopy and along forest edges where their vivid colors stand out against the greenery.
When it comes to nesting, the bay-headed tanager builds a large cup-shaped nest in the branches of trees. Females lay up to two white eggs marked with small brown spots, and she carefully incubates them for 13 to 14 days.
Once hatched, the chicks stay in the nest for another 15 to 16 days before they are ready to fly. Although the exact population size of the bay-headed tanager is unknown, they are described as “common” in many areas, which bodes well for their continued survival.
The bay-headed tanager is a stunning example of the rich biodiversity found in our natural world. Its vivid colors and graceful movements highlight the importance of ongoing conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can appreciate these birds.
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