The **Blue-necked Tanager** (*Stilpnia cyanicollis*) is a striking bird found in South America, ranging from Colombia to Bolivia. Here are some key details about this beautiful species:
– **Habitat**: Blue-necked tanagers inhabit subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forests.
– **Appearance**: These tanagers measure around 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length and weigh approximately 17 g (5⁄8 oz). They have a blue hood and throat, while the wing coverts, wing edges, and rump display turquoise to greenish straw colors. The posterior underparts can be black, violet, or blue. Juveniles are brownish gray with hints of adult coloration.
– **Diet**: Their diet consists of fruits, berries, flower blossoms, and insects. Fruit is a major part of their food, although they also pick insects from leaves or in flight.
– **Breeding**: The female constructs a cup nest made of moss, usually well concealed. She lays an average of 2 white eggs with brown spotting. Incubation lasts 13–14 days, and the chicks fledge after 15–16 days. Both male and female feed the nestlings on insects and fruit, sometimes with assistance from helpers¹².
The most striking feature of the Blue-necked Tanager is its vivid blue head, which contrasts beautifully with its dark body. If you ever get a chance to spot one, it’s a delightful sight! 🐦💙³⁴⁵