Discovering the Mesmerizing Bay-Headed Tanager: A Bird of Vibrant Splendor

 

Tangara cabecirufa/Bay-headed Tanager/Tangara gyrola – Birds Colombia

In the realm of avian beauty, few birds captivate the eye quite like the bay-headed tanager (Tangara gyrola). With its stunning array of colors, from lush greens to fiery reds and electric blues, this medium-sized passerine is a sight to behold, leaving observers breathless in its wake.

Tangara gyrola / Bay-headed Tanager / Tangara Cabecicastaña

Measuring approximately 14 cm in length and weighing a mere 19.5 grams, the bay-headed tanager boasts nine subspecies, each displaying unique plumage variations. Among these, the nominate species reigns supreme, bedecked in verdant green with a chestnut-red head, a mesmerizing blue belly, and a delicate golden collar adorning its neck.

Tangara gyrola - by Minor Torres - JungleDragon

Males and females of this species bear striking resemblance, their identities often discerned by the subtle nuances of their head shapes. The male sports a flat head, while the female boasts a more rounded profile. Juveniles, meanwhile, don duller plumage with hints of brown spotting on their heads.

Tangara gyrola / Tángara cabecirrufa / Bay-headed Tanager | Colorful birds, Exotic birds, Beautiful birds

Native and resident in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, Panama, and South America, extending as far as Ecuador, Bolivia, southern Brazil, and Trinidad, the bay-headed tanager finds sanctuary amidst forested realms. High in the canopy, amid towering trees and along forest edges, these birds make their homes, their vibrant plumage a beacon amidst the verdant foliage.

Tangara gyrola-Tangara Lacrada-Bay-headed Tanager | Esta es … | Flickr

Nesting is a meticulous affair for bay-headed tanagers, who fashion voluminous cup-shaped nests within tree branches. Here, the female lays up to two white eggs adorned with delicate brown spots. With tender care, she tends to her precious cargo, incubating them for 13 to 14 days until hatching, followed by a further 15 to 16 days until the fledglings take flight.

Tangara Gyrola Stock Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from Dreamstime

Despite their remarkable beauty and widespread distribution, the global population size of bay-headed tanagers remains unquantified. However, reports describe them as “common” across significant portions of their range, offering hope for their continued presence in the wild.

The bay headed tanager (Tangara gyrola) is a medium sized passerine bird. This tanager is a resident breeder in Costa Rica, Panama, South America south to Ecuador, Bolivia and southern Brazil, and

In the world of ornithology, the bay-headed tanager stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring diversity of our natural world. Its vibrant plumage and graceful presence serve as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations may also marvel at the splendor of these magnificent creatures.