Blue-grey Tanager

Overview

The blue-grey tanager (Thraupis episcopus) is a medium-sized songbird in the tanager family, Thraupidae, native to South America. It is widespread from Mexico to northern Brazil and has been introduced to Lima and Florida. The species is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and commonality.

Identification

• Adults measure 16–18 cm in length and possess a short, thick bill.
• Plumage features a light bluish head and underparts, contrasting with darker blue upperparts and a distinctively shaded shoulder patch.
• Immature birds appear much duller in plumage compared to adults.
• Song consists of squeaky twittering interspersed with 'tseee' and 'tsuup' call notes.

Habitat

This species occupies a range from Mexico south to northeast Bolivia and northern Brazil, covering all of the Amazon Basin except the far south. Breeding habitats include open woodland, cultivated areas, and gardens, with the bird often thriving around human habitation. It is more common in secondary forests resulting from slash-and-burn clearing than in primary forest.

Diet

The blue-grey tanager feeds mainly on fruit, including cultivated varieties such as papayas, but also consumes nectar, insects, and other arthropods. It is described as a restless and noisy species that typically forages in pairs or small groups.

Did you know?

On Trinidad and Tobago, this bird is colloquially known as 'blue jean'. It is also commonly infected with Blastocystis parasites, specifically Subtype 6, which was exclusive to birds in a studied area and not found in local cows.