Palm tanager facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This article is about the widespread Central and South American species of tanager. Not to be confused with the Hispaniola-endemic genus Phaenicophilus, the members of which are sometimes known as palm tanagers or palm-tanagers.

Quick facts for kids Palm tanager

T. p. melanoptera, Trinidad

T. p. melanoptera, Colombia
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Thraupis
Species:	palmarum

The palm tanager (Thraupis palmarum) is a medium-sized passerine bird. This tanager is a resident breeder from Nicaragua south to Bolivia, Paraguay and southern Brazil. It also breeds on Trinidad and, since 1962, on Tobago. In Trinidad and Tobago, it is known by colloquial names such as the "palmiste" on American Spanish countries (Colombian pronn: "pūlmist"), Brazil Pipira-verde (Portuguese pron: "pəəpəərā-værd") and the "green jean" in American English.

Description

Adult palm tanagers are 19 cm (7.5 in) long and weigh 36 g (1.3 oz). They are grey to dull olive-green. The flight feathers are blackish, and the long tail is blackish edged with green. A yellow wingbar shows in flight. Sexes are similar, although females may be somewhat paler.

Range and habitat

It occurs in semi-open areas including cultivation and gardens. The bulky cup nest is built in a tree, usually a palm, or under the eaves of a house, and the female incubates three, sometimes two, brown-blotched cream eggs for 14 days, with another 17 days to fledging.

Behavior

Palm tanagers are social, restless but unwary birds which eat a wide variety of small fruit. They also regularly take some nectar, flower petals and insects, including caterpillars. The song is fast and squeaky.

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Palm tanager Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.