Golden Tanager
Tangara aurulenta
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Golden Tanager is a vibrant, small bird with a striking golden-yellow body and black wings. Its head features a distinctive black patch on the side of the head, under the eye, which contrasts sharply with the bright plumage.
Both sexes share similar colouration, with subtle blue-green tints on the wings and back. Juveniles display a duller version of the adult plumage, gradually developing full colouration as they mature. Some of the subspecies may show more brown below.
Size
Length
13cm to 14cm
Wingspan
20cm to 22cm
Weight
18g to 22g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Yellow Black
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Golden Tanagers inhabit montane and cloud forests in the Andes, ranging from Venezuela to Peru. They prefer humid, evergreen forests with dense vegetation and abundant fruiting plants.
These birds are non-migratory, maintaining year-round territories within their preferred elevation range. They are particularly common in Colombia and Ecuador, where they can be found in both primary and secondary growth forests.
Elevation Range
500 to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Golden Tanager. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Golden Tanager demonstrates remarkable agility through its quick, acrobatic movements in the forest canopy. Their ability to hop between branches, dart through dense foliage, and hang upside down whilst foraging showcases exceptional manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small passerine weighing only 18-22g, the Golden Tanager possesses modest strength typical of its size class. Whilst capable of carrying nesting materials and managing small fruits, they aren't built for powerful activities.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These birds show strong adaptability through their ability to thrive in both primary and secondary growth forests, successful participation in mixed-species flocks, and diverse foraging strategies. Their presence across varying elevations (500 - 2,500m) further demonstrates their adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Golden Tanagers exhibit relatively low aggression levels, preferring to forage cooperatively in mixed-species flocks. Their social nature and tendency toward group behaviour suggests a generally peaceful disposition, though they likely defend their nests when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their continuous foraging activities, active lifestyle in the canopy, and ability to maintain territories year-round indicate good endurance. The species' capacity for quick, sustained movements throughout the day whilst searching for food demonstrates solid stamina, though not exceptional by avian standards.
Diet
Golden Tanagers primarily feed on small fruits and berries, supplementing their diet with insects and spiders.
They forage actively in the canopy, often hanging upside down to reach fruits at the ends of branches. These birds play a crucial role in seed dispersal within their forest habitats.
Behaviour
Golden Tanagers are highly social, often seen in small flocks or mixed-species groups. They move quickly through the canopy, hopping from branch to branch while foraging.
These birds are known for their agile flight patterns, darting between trees with remarkable speed and precision.
Vocalisation
Golden Tanagers have a high-pitched, thin call often described as a sharp 'tseet' or 'tsit'. Their song is a series of these high notes strung together in rapid succession, creating a quick, tinkling melody.
During foraging, they may also produce soft, chattering sounds among group members.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Golden Tanagers typically occurs between March and June, coinciding with the end of the rainy season. Pairs form monogamous bonds and work together to build their nests.
Nests are cup-shaped structures made of moss, lichen, and fine plant fibres, usually placed in the fork of a tree branch high in the canopy. Females lay 2-3 pale blue eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, with both parents sharing duties. Nestlings fledge after approximately 15-16 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Golden Tanagers face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation in their range.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting montane forest ecosystems and establishing protected areas to maintain stable populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Golden Tanagers in the mid to upper levels of montane forests
- Listen for their high-pitched, thin calls to locate them in dense foliage
- Watch for their quick, acrobatic movements as they forage in small groups
- Observe fruiting trees, where they often gather to feed
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Golden-naped Tanager
Family:
ThraupidaeAverage Lifespan
3 to 5 years
Max Lifespan
7.2 years [4]
Predators
Main predators of Golden Tanagers include raptors such as hawks and falcons, as well as arboreal snakes and small mammals that can access their nests.
Did You Know?
- Golden Tanagers are part of a mixed-species foraging flock, often associating with other tanagers and small birds.
- Their bright coloration serves as camouflage in the dappled light of the forest canopy.
- These birds play a vital role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Tangara aurulenta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T103849300A264357336.
View source - 2
report, 1996: Stotz et al.
- 4
website: Searchable Ornithological Research Archive, University of New Mexico University Libraries
View source
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