Blue-Gray Tanager vs Scrub Tanager

Blue-Gray Tanager

Thraupis episcopus

How to recognise a blue-gray tanager?

General appearance

The blue-gray tanager is a bird species known for its distinctive hue. Mostly, it features a variation of blue-gray across the body, with a lighter underbelly. The wings are brighter colors, usually shades of azure or cobalt. They are medium-sized birds, with a length of around 6.5-7 inches, and have a distinctive forked tail.

Male vs female

In terms of physical appearance, males and females are almost identical. Both sexes share the same blue-gray coloration, and size. There are no significant seasonal variations in their appearance. In certain subspecies, the male may exhibit a slightly brighter plumage than the female.

Juvenile

Young blue-gray tanagers, or juveniles, share similar general characteristics with adults. They also have blue-gray plumage, but it is generally duller and less vibrant than that of adults. Additionally, their beaks and legs are bredworth-brown, gradually turning black as they mature.

Size

5.9 - 6.7 in/1.0 - 1.6 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The blue-gray tanager primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical forests from southern Mexico to northern Bolivia and Brazil.

Additional range

This bird species can also accommodate to open woodland and cultivated areas, making it a versatile species capable of adapting to different environments.

Range Map

What do blue-gray tanagers like to eat?

Natural diet

The blue-gray tanager predominantly feeds on a variety of fruits, especially those found in tropical environments. It often consumes small berries, such as those from the Melastomataceae family. Additionally, it supplements its diet with insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, which provide necessary proteins. These birds typically forage in the mid-levels to upper canopy of forests, exploiting ample resources available in their diverse habitats.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, blue-gray tanagers are known to enjoy offerings of fruits, including slices of bananas, oranges, and papayas, which replicate their natural food preferences. They are also attracted to jelly and fruit-based suet mixes, which provide an energy-rich food source. Occasionally, they may sample from mixtures of seeds, but they primarily seek out softer, fruit-based options that align more closely with their natural diet.

What does a blue-gray tanager sound like?

The vocalizations of the blue-gray tanager are complex, usually consisting of short and high-pitched chirping notes. This bird's typical calls are a sharp "tsit" or "tsip", and its songs are musical whistles, often repeated in succession. The calls and songs vary widely among individuals, with different regional dialects present across its distribution range. They often sing from exposed locations or while in flight, especially at dawn. This species' vocalizations are most frequent during the breeding season.

Call

Audio by Gabriel Leite

/ CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Song

Audio by Gabriel Leite

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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Scrub Tanager

Stilpnia vitriolina

How to recognise a scrub tanager?

General appearance

The scrub tanager (Tangara vitriolina) exhibits a vibrant plumage with a combination of blue, green, and gray shades. The body is primarily a blend of blue and green, while the wings and tail display a more vibrant blue. A grayish head and nape are characteristic, alongside a distinct, sharp bill suited for their dietary needs.

Male vs female

Both males and females of the scrub tanager possess similar coloration, making it difficult to distinguish them visually. However, subtle differences can be noted, such as the male's slightly more intense coloration compared to the female.

Juvenile

Juvenile scrub tanagers tend to have duller coloration than adults, with a more muted greenish-blue plumage and less defined gray on the head. This distinction helps in differentiating them from mature individuals in the field.

Size

5.1 - 5.5 in/0.6 - 0.9 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

Scrub tanagers prefer montane forests and shrublands, typically found in humid to semi-humid climates at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 meters.

Additional range

Although primarily montane, they can unexpectedly occupy garden areas and secondary growth in subtropical to tropical regions in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Range Map

What do scrub tanagers like to eat?

Natural diet

The scrub tanager primarily feeds on a variety of fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. Its natural habitat, mainly consisting of scrublands and forest edges, provides ample opportunities for foraging on fruit-bearing plants and shrubs. These birds are known to consume berries, seeds, and occasionally flowers, which make up the bulk of their plant-based diet. Additionally, they are adept at catching insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, providing a protein source.

Bird feeders

In areas where their habitats overlap with human settlements, scrub tanagers may visit bird feeders, although this is not a primary food source for them. When they do visit feeders, they are attracted to those offering fresh fruits such as bananas, papayas, and oranges. They may also sample other offerings like suet or platforms with small bits of soft fruits. However, they rarely rely on these artificial food sources, preferring their natural foraging tactics.

What does a scrub tanager sound like?

The scrub tanager, found in Andean regions, vocalizes in high-pitched, sharp calls often described as "tsiip" or "tsuuit." Its calls are quick and can sound metallic. Its song is a series of clear, tinkling notes that may include repeated phrases, often delivered at a fast pace. These vocalizations are vital for communication within dense scrub habitats. The bird typically sings from its perch, contributing to the audio landscape of its environment.

Call

Audio by Niels Krabbe

/ CC BY-SA 4.0