The Striking Appearance of the White-capped Tanager: Blue with a Distinctive White Cap
The White-capped Tanager: A Striking Bird with a Blue Hue and Distinctive White Cap By Pham Trung September 14, 2023
The White-capped Tanager is a remarkable and easily recognizable bird, unlikely to be confused with others. Its plumage is predominantly dark blackish, but there are some key features to look out for, such as its satin-red throat and iridescent steely-blue wings. Most notably, it gets its name from the striking white cap atop its head, which glistens like sunlit snow. Both sexes exhibit similar appearances, while females and juveniles tend to have slightly less vibrant throats.
Encounters with this species are relatively rare, and it is typically found in small flocks that move swiftly through the canopy of subtropical and temperate zones in the Andes. Occasionally, they perch conspicuously. In terms of behavior and vocalizations, they bear a resemblance to jays and share some auditory similarities, especially when heard from a distance. On occasion, they can be seen traveling alongside flocks of Turquoise Jays.
