Emerald Tanager: Gem in the Moss

_{This YouTube video was produced by the American Bird Conservancy.}

The Emerald Tanager (Tangara florida) is truly a gem of the forest, roaming through the canopy in search of fruiting trees in the humid montane forests of Central and northern South America. Although primarily a fruit-eater, this species is also adept at hunting insects and other invertebrates on tree branches, deftly manipulating mosses with its bill in search of prey. This behavior sets it apart from other tanager species it often flocks with, but outside of the Emerald Tanager’s range, other specialized tanager species may fill this niche.

The Emerald Tanager’s relationship with moss extends beyond its foraging habits. Though their breeding biology is largely undescribed in peer-reviewed literature, the nests that have been observed have either been made of moss entirely or thoroughly covered in it. This, of course, provides good camouflage on the mossy branches where these tanagers build their nests.

Also known as: Tangara Orejinegra (Spanish), Tangara Esmeralda (Spanish)

Learn more: https://abcbirds.org/birds/emerald-tanager/