Green-headed Tanager

The Green-headed Tanager is a dazzling small songbird endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern South America, glowing with a shimmering turquoise-green head and nape that catches the light as it moves. A black patch covers the upper back, bordered below by a bright golden-yellow to orange band, while the underparts show pale blue tones and a small orange patch brightens the throat.

Often seen in small, active groups moving through the forest canopy or visiting fruiting trees at forest edges and even well-planted gardens, its combination of colors makes it one of the most sought-after tanagers for observers visiting Brazil's coastal forests.

Key field marks

• Bright turquoise-green head and nape
• Black upper back crossed by a golden-orange band
• Pale blue underparts and rump
• Small orange patch on the throat

Similar species

• Paradise Tanager (Amazon basin) shows a similar color palette but has a purple-blue throat rather than orange, and the two species' ranges do not overlap.
• Red-necked Tanager shares the Atlantic Forest range but has a reddish (not orange) throat patch and a more violet-blue body tone.

Habitat

Inhabits the canopy and edges of humid Atlantic Forest, as well as secondary growth, plantations, and gardens near forest.

Range

Endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, with a small range extending into eastern Paraguay and far northeastern Argentina.

Migration

Generally resident, though flocks move locally in search of fruiting trees.

Behavior

Social and active, typically encountered in pairs or small flocks that often join mixed-species groups foraging through the canopy.

Voice

A thin, high-pitched "tsit" or "tsi-tsi" call, similar to other Tangara tanagers, along with soft chattering notes among flock members.

Feeding

Feeds primarily on small fruit and berries, supplemented with insects gleaned from leaves and branches in the canopy.

Nesting

Builds a small cup nest of plant fibers in canopy or edge vegetation; typically lays 2 eggs, with details of incubation and care similar to related Tangara species.