Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus)

 

Synonyms: Tangara episcopus, Blue-grey Tanager

 

 

Thraupis episcopus occurs from eastern Mexico to northern Peru, northeast Bolivia and Brazil (south to Rondônia and Mato Grosso), and in Trinidad and Tobago (Map); introduced to Lima (Peru). This species is ubiquitous and inhabits tropical forest edge, second-growth, riverine forests, plantations, orchards, parks, and gardens; sea level to 2,600 m. Avoids interior forest. There are 14 recognized subspecies. Blue-gray Tanager is 16-18 cm long; weighing 30-40 g. Adults have a light bluish head and underparts, with darker blue, greyish or greenish upperparts, and a lavender, dark blue or whitish shoulder patch. Sexes are similar. The juveniles are duller, resembling the closely related Sayaca Tanager (Thraupis sayaca). T. episcopus builds a cup nest in a tree fork or a crevice, and lays 1-3 eggs. Incubation lasts 14 days; the young fledge after 17 days. The nests could be parasitized by cowbirds (Molothrus spp.). Blue-gray Tanager feeds on fruit (including cultivated varieties), but also nectar, insects, and other invertebrates.

 

		D35162 Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus nesophilia) Blanchisseuse, Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D35161 Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus nesophilia) Blanchisseuse, Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D35160 Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus nesophilia) Blanchisseuse, Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D35028 Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus nesophilia) Brasso Seco, Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
Unauthorized use of our images is NOT permitted.
Hotlinking or "pinning" of our images to websites is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev - All Rights Reserved