Paradise Tanager

Overview

The Tangara chilensis is a brilliantly multicolored, medium-sized songbird native to the Amazon rainforest. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length ranges between 13.5 and 15 cm.
• Plumage features a light green head, sky blue underparts, and a black upper body.
• The rump is either yellow and red or entirely red, depending on the subspecies.
• The beak is black and the legs are grey.

Habitat

This species inhabits humid tropical and subtropical forests in the western and northern Amazon Basin in South America. Its range extends across Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Brazil.

Did you know?

The bird's vivid colours are enhanced by underlying achromatic feather layers, such as black or white, that boost the brilliance of its structural colours. Despite its scientific name, it is not found in Chile.