Birds
Green-headed Tanager
Tangara seledon
Moving through the Atlantic Forest canopy in a mixed-species flock, a green-headed tanager flashes turquoise, black, and golden-orange patches against a glossy green head, one of the most vividly coloured birds found in southeastern Brazil.
Overview
The green-headed tanager, Tangara seledon, is a Least Concern bird restricted to the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil. Its striking multicoloured plumage, highly social foraging habits, and membership in one of the most vividly patterned songbird genera make it a standout even among its colourful tanager relatives.
A forest of colour
Within the Atlantic Forest canopy, the green-headed tanager is rarely alone, typically moving through the trees as part of a mixed-species flock that brings together several brightly patterned tanager species foraging side by side.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable Atlantic Forest habitat in southeastern Brazil despite the broader fragmentation affecting the biome overall.
Green-headed Tanager: common questions
Where is the green-headed tanager found?
It is restricted to the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil, a region known for a high number of endemic species found nowhere else.
What does the green-headed tanager eat?
It is an omnivore, eating fruit and insects gleaned from canopy and mid-level forest vegetation.
Does the green-headed tanager forage alone?
Not usually. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks alongside other tanagers and small forest birds.
How colourful is the green-headed tanager?
Very. It combines a glossy green head with patches of turquoise, black, and golden orange, a striking combination even among its colourful Tangara relatives.