Beryl-spangled Tanager

Overview

The beryl-spangled tanager (Tangara nigroviridis) is a small songbird of the northern Andes. It was first described by Frédéric de Lafresnaye in 1843 and is one of 28 tanager species in the genus Tangara.

Identification

• Small songbird measuring 13 cm (5.1 in) in length.
• Plumage is largely turquoise, heavily marked with black spots and scales.
• Breast and belly are primarily black, featuring opalescent greenish spotting.

Habitat

Found on the eastern slopes of the Andes from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to Bolivia. It inhabits humid montane forest and second growth. Elevations range from 700–2,500 m in Ecuador and 1,500–2,900 m in Peru.