Orange-eared Tanager

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Chlorochrysa calliparaea
  • Spanish Name: Tangara orejinaranja
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Known Nicknames: Orange-eared Chlorochrysa
  • Average Length: 12–13 cm / 4.7–5.1 in
  • Average Weight: 16–21 g / 0.56–0.74 oz
  • Wingspan: N/A
  • Key Feature: Glistening emerald-green plumage with a bright orange-rufous patch on the ear-coverts and a yellow-orange spot on the crown
  • Primary Diet: Omnivore (Frugivore and Insectivore)
  • Range: Andean slopes of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia
  • Habitat: Humid montane forest canopy and mossy forest edges
  • Social Structure: Pairs or active participants in mixed-species foraging flocks
  • Nesting/Breeding: Open cup nests hidden in moss or epiphytes on tree branches
  • Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
  • Population Trend: Decreasing

The Orange-eared Tanager (*Chlorochrysa calliparaea*) is a breathtakingly vibrant songbird native to the humid canopy of the Andean cloud forests in South America. True to its name, this small, energetic bird is immediately recognizable by the brilliant, glowing orange-to-rufous patch on its ear-coverts, which contrasts spectacularly with its dazzling, jewel-like emerald-green plumage. Adding to its multi-colored splendor is a shimmering turquoise-blue rump, a stark black throat, and a distinct golden-yellow spot crowning its head. Highly social and acrobatic, this striking tanager is often seen darting through the misty treetops in mixed-species flocks, hanging upside down from mossy branches to forage for insects and wild berries, making it a true avian gem of the montane wilderness.

Faits amusants

True to its acrobatic nature, this bird regularly performs gravity-defying stunts, hanging completely upside down from twigs to pluck insects from the undersides of leaves. While its namesake fiery-orange ear patches are striking, it also harbors a hidden surprise—a brilliant, glowing blue rump that is invisible while perched but flashes like a neon sign the moment it takes flight. Highly social and hyperactive, it often acts as the self-appointed leader of fast-moving, mixed-species foraging flocks, darting through the Andean canopy with restless energy.

Habitats et répartition

This species is native to the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America, with a geographical range that stretches from western Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to Bolivia. Within this mountainous corridor, it is primarily found at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,000 meters above sea level, although local variations in its altitudinal limits do occur. It chiefly inhabits wet, humid montane forests and cloud forests, where it favors the canopy and sub-canopy layers. It is also commonly found along forest edges and in mature secondary woodlands, particularly in areas rich in mosses and epiphytes where it can forage for fruits and insects.

Comportements & Reproduction

This species is highly active and social, typically moving in pairs or small family groups that frequently join mixed-species foraging flocks in the canopy of humid montane forests. It exhibits acrobatic foraging behavior, often hanging upside down to glean insects, spiders, and larvae from mossy branches and epiphytes, supplemented by a diet of small fruits and berries. Although specific details about its breeding biology are limited, it is believed to be socially monogamous, forming pairs that defend nesting territories. It likely constructs a cup-shaped nest hidden amidst dense moss or epiphytic vegetation high in the trees. Both parents are thought to participate in caring for the young, a common cooperative strategy among tropical tanagers to ensure the survival of their small clutches in predator-rich canopy environments.

Alimentation

The Orange-eared Tanager (*Chlorochrysa calliparaea*) is an omnivorous bird whose diet primarily consists of a variety of small fruits, berries, and a diverse array of invertebrates such as insects and spiders. An interesting aspect of its feeding behavior is its highly active and acrobatic foraging style; it frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy of humid montane forests, where it can be seen hanging completely upside down from twigs and leaves to glean hidden prey from the undersides of foliage, moss, and epiphytes. This specialized, tit-like maneuvering allows the tanager to access hidden protein-rich arthropods that other species might miss, perfectly complementing its search for canopy fruits.

Couleurs

The Orange-eared Tanager features a shimmering emerald-green body that provides excellent camouflage in mossy forest canopies, contrasted by striking bright orange ear patches and a golden-yellow crown. A small black throat patch frames its face, while its lower belly and rump flash a brilliant, contrasting blue.