Meet the Flame-colored Tanager
- Overview of the Flame-colored Tanager (Piranga bidentata)
- Size: 18-19 cm; Males are identifiable by their flame orange-red head and under belly, bold black and white wing bars, and dusky tail. Females have the same markings but heads and underbellies are bright yellow. Both male and females sport a distinctive brown patch under the eye.
- Found primarily in foothill and highland forests, preferring oak forests.
Where to See the Flame-colored Tanager in Costa Rica
- Best regions for sightings: The Talamanca Highlands, Braulio Carrillo National Park.
- Habitat preferences: Highland Cloudforest, White Oak forest adjacent to open fields and pastures.
Behavior and Vocalization
- Notable song: tends to like a high perch.
- Known for a rich musical song that ends with a loud chirp.
- Feeding habits: Prefers arthropods, berries and small fruit.
Best Time to Spot the Flame-colored Tanager
- This bird is common throughout the year in the Talamanca Highlands.
- Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for spotting this bird.
Fun facts about the Flame-colored Tanager
- Loners of the Tanager world: Most Tanagers are gregarious birds, happy to stay in large flocks, or join mixed flocks of birds for foraging. The Flame-colored Tanager prefers to be solo or in pairs. Sometimes, they do join small groups, but it’s not common.
- Likes the “birds-eye-view”: They prefer tall tree tops, where they perch and watch for arthropods below. They swiftly swoop down to catch their meal.
- Industrious Nest Builders: The Flame-colored Tanager builds an open cup nest, made from twigs and vines. They line the nest with fine grasses and usually hide the nests in dense foliage. Occasionally a nest can be found in shrubs or coffee plantations as well.
- Beautiful eggs. Females lay 2-3 eggs in a clutch. The eggs are pale blue, speckled with dark lavender dots.
Conservation Status and Importance
- Classified as not globally threatened. Healthy populations ranging from Mexico to Western Panama.
- Although this species has adapted well to disturbed forests, efforts should be made to protect primary Oak and White Oak forests.
Relevant Examples:
Birdwatching in the Talamanca Highlands. Locations include los Quetzales National Park, Savegre Reserve, San Gerardo de Dota, Copey de Dota.
FAQ
What does the Flame-colored Tanager eat?
Diet consists of small arthropods, a variety of berries, and prefers the fruit of the ficus tree.
How can I identify a Flame-colored Tanager?
The male is a bright red-orange, has a brown patch under the eye, and distinct black and white wing bars. The Female is the same except Yellow.
When is the best time to see the Flame-colored Tanager in Costa Rica?
Since it is a non-migratory bird, it can be seen year-round, though dawn and dusk offer the best chances. The Talamanca Highlands is the most reliable location.