The blue-and-yellow tanager is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae.
Region
Southern and Andean South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the southern Andes and adjacent foothills through the Pampas and Chaco into parts of Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, Uruguay, and much of Argentina. Favors semi-open landscapes such as forest edges, scrubby hillsides, second-growth, and agricultural mosaics with scattered trees. Common in urban parks and gardens with fruiting shrubs. In montane areas it uses wooded ravines and edges of cloud forest, descending seasonally to lower elevations in some regions.
Altitude Range
0–3200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-and-yellow tanager is a striking South American tanager with vivid blue upperparts and bright yellow underparts. It often joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season and readily visits fruiting trees and garden feeders. The species shows regional variation in brightness, with highland birds often more intensely colored. It adapts well to edges and semi-open habitats, including parks and towns.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups and often joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Builds a cup nest in shrubs or small trees; the clutch is typically 2–3 eggs. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings and fledglings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a bright, sweet series of clear whistles and trills delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chips and soft twitters used to keep contact within small groups.
Plumage
Male with rich cobalt-blue head, mantle, and upperparts contrasting with bright yellow underparts; females are duller, blue-gray to olive above with washed yellow underparts. Feathering is smooth and compact, giving a clean, glossy appearance in males.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small fruits and berries along with insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage. Will sally short distances to catch flying insects and probe fruit clusters methodically. In urban areas it may visit feeding tables offering papaya, banana, or other soft fruits. Seasonal shifts in diet follow fruit availability, with more insects taken during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid-level foliage, along hedgerows, and at forest edges where fruiting shrubs are common. Also feeds in gardens, parks, and lightly wooded farmland with scattered trees.
