The swallow tanager is a species of Neotropic bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Tersina. It is found widely throughout South America, from eastern Panama to far northern Argentina. The species is sexually dimorphic: the female is a yellow-green and the male a turquoise blue with a small deep black face and upper throat patch.
Region
Northern and central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Panama through Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, across much of Brazil, and south to Paraguay and northern Argentina. It favors forest edges, riverine gallery forests, secondary growth, and open woodlands with scattered tall trees. Often forages in the canopy or along clearings and roadsides where visibility for aerial sallies is good. Also uses plantations and rural mosaics with remnant trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The swallow tanager is the sole member of the genus Tersina and is notable for its striking sexual dimorphism. It often catches insects on the wing with swift, swallow-like sallies and also feeds heavily on fruit. In parts of southern South America it undertakes austral movements, shifting northward after breeding. Unusually for a tanager, it frequently nests in holes excavated in earthen banks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
swift, swallow-like sallies with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs during the breeding season and in small loose flocks outside it, sometimes joining mixed-species canopy flocks. Pairs may nest in small aggregations, frequently using holes in earthen banks. Displays include aerial chases and perch song by the male. Roosting can be communal in favored trees.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a light, sweet warble of thin, high-pitched notes delivered from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp tseet and soft chips given in flight and while foraging.
