The Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola) is a vibrantly-colored, tropical bird that occurs in Costa Rica, Panama, and in much of northern South America. The Bay-headed Tanager also is genetically diverse, indicating that more that it may include more than one species. Commonly occurs found in the canopy of humid forest. They also inhabit nearby clearings with scattered trees, semi-open areas, and tall second growth forests. Like most tanagers, the Bay-headed Tanager is a very social bird, and typically forages in pairs or small groups that travel within larger mixed-species flocks. The open cup nest is typically concealed in dense foliage and placed in trees. The clutch size is two. Females construct the nest and incubate the eggs, and both adults feed the young.
Habitats & Distribution
The Bay-headed Tanager is typically found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. It inhabits a variety of environments including lower montane forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and heavily degraded former forests. The species often thrives in areas with dense foliage, where it has access to a rich supply of fruits and insects to sustain its diet. Geographically, the Bay-headed Tanager's range extends from Costa Rica down through Panama and into the northern parts of South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. This bird is usually spotted at elevations ranging from sea level up to about 1,800 meters, preferring regions that offer a combination of high humidity and lush vegetation. Despite deforestation in some areas, the Bay-headed Tanager remains relatively widespread due to its adaptability to secondary growth and various types of forest edges.
Behaviours & Reproduction
The Bay-headed Tanager exhibits a monogamous mating system, with pairs forming long-term bonds. Mating seasons vary across its range, influenced by regional climate and food availability. Both male and female participate in constructing the nest, typically situated in the fork of a tree. Females lay 2-3 eggs per clutch and are solely responsible for incubation, which lasts about 13-14 days. Males aid in feeding the chicks once they hatch, contributing to the cooperative care of the young. Bay-headed Tanagers are generally sociable birds, often seen in mixed flocks with other tanagers and bird species outside of the breeding season. This interspecies association helps reduce predation risks and enhances foraging efficiency. Unique cooperative breeding behaviors are not commonly observed in this species, as they tend to rely on their close pair bonds and the immediate family unit for reproductive success.
Diet
Their diet mainly consists of fruits, but they frequently eat insects.
Colors
Generally the upperparts are green and the underparts are blue; the chestnut-red head is separated from the green back by a yellow to golden nuchal band. The intensity of color on the nuchal band and the color of the upper and underparts of the body vary among subspecies. Males and females are similar, but females are duller in color.
Fun Facts
This species is highly variable geographically, with no fewer than nine recognized subspecies, making it one of the most phenotypically diverse of all Tangara tanagers (only the Golden Tanager Tangara arthus has as many subspecies).
Conservation Status & Efforts
The Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola) is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, indicating that it is relatively widespread and abundant. Population trends are generally stable, although there are localized declines primarily due to habitat loss. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban development pose significant threats to its habitat, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. Conservation efforts for the Bay-headed Tanager focus on habitat preservation and restoration. Protected areas and national parks in countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, and Venezuela offer crucial sanctuaries. Additionally, various reforestation projects and sustainable land-use practices aim to mitigate habitat destruction. Conservation organizations also work on raising awareness among local communities about the importance of preserving natural habitats to support the species' long-term survival.
