Spangle-cheeked tanager

Tangara dowii

The spangle-cheeked tanager (Tangara dowii) is a medium-sized passerine bird.

Family: Thraupidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern

About the Spangle-cheeked tanager

The spangle-cheeked tanager (Tangara dowii) is a medium-sized passerine bird. This tanager is an endemic resident breeder in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. Formerly considered conspecific with the green-naped tanager, it is now known that these two species differ geographically and genetically. It is common from about 1,200 to 3,000 m (3,900 to 9,800 ft) altitude in the canopy of epiphyte-laden wet mountain forests, and at lower levels in semi-open areas like clearings with trees, second growth and woodland edges. The bulky cup nest, lined with bromeliad leaves, is built in a tree fork or on a branch high amongst the epiphytes. The normal clutch is two eggs. The adult spangle-cheeked tanager is 13 cm (5.1 in) long and weighs 20 g (0.71 oz). It has a mainly black head, uppe

Fun Facts About Spangle-cheeked tanager

The adult spangle-cheeked tanager is 13 cm (5.1 in) long and weighs 20 g (0.71 oz).
It is common from about 1,200 to 3,000 m (3,900 to 9,800 ft) altitude in the canopy of epiphyte-laden wet mountain forests, and at lower levels in semi-open areas like clearings with trees, second growth and woodland edges.
This tanager is an endemic resident breeder in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.
The sexes are very similar, but adult males have more extensive blue scaling.
The bulky cup nest, lined with bromeliad leaves, is built in a tree fork or on a branch high amongst the epiphytes.

Conservation Status

The Spangle-cheeked tanager is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	passerines
Family	Thraupidae
Genus	Tangara
Species	Tangara dowii

Range & Habitat