Return of Bird of the Week: Saffron-crowned Tanager
We’re looking at Tanagers for the next few weeks. Today, please meet the Saffron-crowned Tanager. It’s pure flash.
Saffron-crowned Tanager, Ollyantantambo, Peru
This species occurs through the Andes from Venezuela south to Bolivia, and occupies humid montane forests and secondary woodlands. Due to human destruction of habitat, ornithologists are concerned that the population numbers may be decreasing; however an accurate estimate of the population size is unavailable. If you’ve been to Machu Pichu, you know just how rugged and difficult this species’ native terrain is, and why so little is know about it.
Saffron-crowned Tanagerhas a bluish green body with black chin and eye mask, black streaks on the back, and, as both its common and scientific name (Tangara xanthocephala) suggests, that distinctive yellow head and crown. You’re not likely to confuse it with any other species in its range. The species famously forages with its head down, and WC has a couple dozen photos showing little besides that bright, saffron crown.
Although the population of Saffron-crowned Tanagers is not a species of concern, continued destruction of their habitat could lead to dramatic effects on their population numbers.
For more bird photographs, please visit Frozen Feather Images.