This exceptionally distinctive tanager, of equal diminutive size, can be found extensively in lowland areas and foothills, reaching elevations of up to 1,800 meters.
Measuring between 14.5 and 15 cm in length, the swallow tanager (Tersina viridis) is characterized by a wide, flattened beak. This avian species exhibits sexual dimorphism, where the male showcases an iridescent blue plumage adorned with a black face and throat. The male’s flanks also display opalescent blue coloration with distinct black barring, while the lower belly appears white in contrast.
In contrast, the female swallow tanager displays a vibrant green plumage accompanied by dusky-olive barring on the flanks. Notably, she lacks the black face mask that distinguishes the male. Juvenile birds bear a resemblance to the female in terms of appearance.
These avian species can be encountered across an extensive range throughout South America, spanning from Panama all the way to Northern Argentina.
Swallow tanager can be found around forest edges, open woodlands, clearings, second growths, and other areas close to water.
Preferring to perch on exposed branches, they like to feed on fruit and insects. They forage for a variety of fruits, including berries and avocadoes, as well as insects such as termites, grasshoppers, and ants. They also sally out to catch insects on the wing, often taking two or three before returning to the same perch.
Swallow tanager mostly nest in cavities made by other birds and man, including in cliffs, earth banks, and even bridges. The female usually lays 3 white eggs within, subsequently incubating them for a period of around 13 – 17 days. Both parents feed the young, although the female is much more devoted to this task than the male. The young leave the nest after approximately 24 days.
This species has an extremely large range and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
