Allow me to introduce you to a lively and captivating creature of the forest, the Brassy-breasted Tanager. This small avian species is a true testament to nature’s vibrant artistry, adorned with a splendid palette of colors that make it a striking presence in its woodland habitat. Known for its boundless energy and perpetual motion, this little forest dweller seldom takes a moment to pause, embodying the essence of perpetual vitality and vivacity. In the following paragraphs, we will delve deeper into the world of the Brassy-breasted Tanager, exploring its captivating appearance, its habitat, and the intriguing behavior that sets it apart in the natural tapestry of the forest.
The brassy-breasted tanager (Tangara desmaresti) is a mostly green to yellow bird with a vibrant blue forehead and eyering. A tiny bird of 13 cm in length, they weigh in at approximately 21 grams. The breast is orange, the flanks green, and the belly yellow. The bill and the area surrounding it are black along with a black patch on the throat.
“File:Tangara desmaresti.jpg” by https://www.flickr.com/photos/dariosanches/ (cropped) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Male and female Brassy-breasted tanager look very similar.
Juvenile birds look similar to adult birds though their plumage is somewhat duller.
These birds are usually found at higher elevations between 800 to 1800 meters in coastal southeastern Brazil.
These birds are relatively common in the canopy and along the borders of montane forests and wooded areas. They can also be found in humid Atlantic forests and secondary-growth forests.
“saíra-lagarta / brassy-breasted tanager” by Bart vanDorp (cropped) is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Brassy-headed tanager dines on arthropods such as caterpillars, spiders, and plant hopper nymphs and fruit such as melastone berries.
During the breeding season the Brassy-breasted manager nests between January and February in Rio. Both sexes bring nesting material to the nest’s location, but only one builds the nest. The nest is built using twigs, lichen, bamboo leaves, and spider web silk. Eggs laid within are white, speckled with fine grey spots. The male may feed the female while she incubates the eggs which is thought to last 12 to 13 days.
“Brassy-breasted Tanager – Regua – Brazil_S4E1979” (cropped) by fveronesi1 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Considered to be fairly common, this species is not regarded as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red Least.
