The opal-rumped tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest of South America. The population of the Atlantic Forest has a far paler chest than the other populations, and has often been considered a separate species as the silvery-breasted tanager. Today most authorities treat it as a subspecies of the opal-rumped tanager.
Region
Northern and eastern South America (Amazon Basin and Atlantic Forest)
Typical Environment
Found from the Guianas and the Amazon Basin through northern Brazil and patchily in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. It favors humid lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. Most activity occurs high in the midstory to canopy, where it forages among fruiting trees. It also visits riverine forests and occasionally well-wooded gardens near forest.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A canopy-dwelling tanager of humid South American forests, it is famed for its striking, opalescent blue rump that flashes in flight. Birds in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest are notably paler on the chest and are often called the silvery-breasted tanager; most authorities now treat them as a subspecies. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and follows fruiting trees, helping disperse seeds across the forest.
Silvery-breasted tanager (Tangara velia cyanomelas)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Often forages in small groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs likely defend small nesting areas during the breeding season, building a cup nest well above the ground. Clutches are small, and both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin twitter interspersed with high, sibilant notes; overall unobtrusive compared to its plumage. Calls include sharp chips and high tsip notes used to maintain contact in flocks.
