Spangle-cheeked tanager facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spangle-cheeked tanager |
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The spangle-cheeked tanager (Tangara dowii) is a beautiful, medium-sized bird. It is a type of tanager that lives only in the high mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. These birds are known for their bright colors and unique patterns.
This bird used to be thought of as the same as the green-naped tanager. But now we know they are different. They live in different places and have different genes.
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About the Spangle-cheeked Tanager
Where Do They Live?
Spangle-cheeked tanagers are often found high up in the mountains. They live at altitudes from about 1,200 to 3,000 m (3,900 to 9,800 ft). You can spot them in the tops of wet mountain forests. These forests have many epiphyte plants growing on the trees.
They also live in more open areas. This includes clearings with trees, new forest growth, and the edges of woodlands.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The spangle-cheeked tanager builds a large, cup-shaped nest. It is often lined with leaves from bromeliad plants. They usually build their nests high up in a tree fork or on a branch. The nest is often hidden among the epiphytes.
A female tanager usually lays two eggs at a time.
What Do They Look Like?
An adult spangle-cheeked tanager is about 13 cm (5.1 in) long. It weighs around 20 g (0.71 oz). Its head, upper body, and chest are mostly black. It has blue spots that look like scales on its chest, face, and neck.
A reddish-brown spot sits on top of its head. The wings and tail have pretty blue edges. Its backside is green, and its tummy is a reddish-brown color.
Male and female birds look very similar. However, adult males have more blue spots. Young birds are not as bright. They do not have the reddish-brown spot on their head. Their blue spots are also not as clear.
What Do They Eat?
Spangle-cheeked tanagers are often seen in pairs or family groups. They also join groups of different kinds of birds that feed together. These groups often include common bush tanagers.
They eat small fruit, which they usually swallow whole. They also enjoy eating insects and spiders.
Sounds They Make
The spangle-cheeked tanager has a high-pitched call. It sounds like a tsip.
