Golden-chevroned Tanager (Thraupis ornata) |
Synonyms: Tangara ornata |
Thraupis ornata is endemic to the Atlantic Forest region of south-eastern Brazil (southern Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul). It inhabits edges of tropical and subtropical forests in foothills and mountains (up to 1,800 m), including heavily degraded secondary forests; also in urban parks and gardens. The male is shiny violet blue, with a blackish-blue mantle, and a bright yellow shoulder patch; the female is duller. The bill is thinner than in congeners. Length 17-18 cm, weight ca. 32-40 g. Nesting recorded in October-November. The nest is cup-shaped, placed among bromeliads and other epiphytes 1.5-9 m above the ground; also under the eaves in rural houses. The clutch contains 2-3 eggs. The young fledge after ca. 18 days. Golden-chevroned Tanager feeds on small fruit, buds, nectar, and insects, including lepidoperans and termites. Often joins mixed flocks during austral winter, and retreats north from the southmost part of its range, and from higher elevations.