The turquoise dacnis is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to Colombia. It is a rather distinct species of dacnis, formerly separated in the monotypic genus Pseudodacnis.
Region
Andean Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily on the slopes and inter-Andean valleys of the Colombian Andes, especially in the upper Magdalena and Cauca drainages. It favors humid and subhumid forest edges, secondary growth, and semi-open woodlands with tall trees. The species also uses agroforestry mosaics such as shade coffee and scattered trees along riparian corridors. It is typically encountered in canopy and edge strata and may join mixed-species flocks.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The turquoise dacnis is a striking Neotropical tanager endemic to Colombia and was formerly placed in its own monotypic genus Pseudodacnis. Males show an intense turquoise-blue contrasted with dark wings and mask, while females are more subdued green. It is threatened primarily by deforestation and fragmentation of humid Andean forests and foothills. Conservation-friendly agroforestry (e.g., shade coffee) can provide important secondary habitat.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Likely monogamous, building a small cup nest placed high in foliage. Territoriality is moderate, with pairs defending immediate nesting areas during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Thin, high-pitched seee and tsee notes interspersed with brief trills. Vocalizations are modest in volume but frequent during active foraging, especially at forest edges.
Plumage
Male is vivid turquoise to blue-green with a contrasting dark mask and dusky-black wings and tail edged bluish; female is olive-green above with paler greenish underparts and faint streaking or wash. Both sexes have a sleek, fine-feathered appearance suited to canopy foraging.
Diet
Takes small fruits and berries, nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, and a variety of small arthropods. Gleans insects from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies for aerial prey. Will probe flowers for nectar and may follow blooming events seasonally. Diet flexibility allows it to persist in semi-modified landscapes.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in the mid-story to canopy at forest edges, along riparian corridors, and in secondary woodland. Frequently uses shade coffee, scattered fruiting trees, and flowering ornamentals near forest remnants.
