Palm Tanager

Overview

The palm tanager (Thraupis palmarum) is a medium-sized passerine bird found from Nicaragua south to Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Brazil, as well as on Trinidad and Tobago. In various regions, it is known by colloquial names such as the 'palmiste' or 'green jean'.

Identification

• Adult birds measure 19 cm in length and weigh 36 g, appearing grey to dull olive-green overall.
• Flight feathers are blackish, and the long tail is blackish edged with green, revealing a yellow wingbar in flight.
• Females are similar to males but may appear somewhat paler.
• The song is described as fast and squeaky.

Habitat

This species inhabits semi-open areas, including cultivation and gardens, where it builds bulky cup nests in trees, usually palms, or under the eaves of houses.

Diet

Palm tanagers forage on a wide variety of small fruit, while also regularly consuming nectar, flower petals, and insects such as caterpillars.

Did you know?

The bird is known by diverse local names, including 'Pipira-verde' in Brazil and 'palmiste' in Trinidad and Tobago, with the American English colloquial name being 'green jean'.