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White-capped tanager - side view II, Jardin, Colombia
We had no idea this bird existed before actually being in Jardin. This is the heaviest tanager in the world, and it is uncommon and vulnerable. We saw a flock fly over high many times in the Yellow-eared Parrot reserve but outside of photography range. With a bit of persistence and luck, ultimately a small flock landed nearby.
The white-capped tanager is the heaviest but not the longest species of tanager, at a weight of 114 g and a length of 24 cm . This species is glossy black overall with a large white crown and a red throat . It occurs in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru at elevations of 1600–3200 m. It lives in humid forest in groups of up to 20 individuals. Flocks of these tanagers stay in tight formation, often foraging from tree to tree together. They may eat fruits, seeds, hymenoptera, and coleoptera.
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