Opal-rumped tanager

Tangara velia

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Thraupidae

Genus: Tangara

The Opal-rumped Tanager is a small, vibrantly coloured songbird known for its stunning plumage. The body is primarily a deep turquoise-blue, with contrasting black wings and back, and a brilliant iridescent opalescent patch on the lower back or rump. This opal-like sheen gives the species its name. Adult birds are typically 13–15 centimetres in length and weigh 16–20 grams.

Its bright colours help it stand out in the forest canopy, where it is usually active in small flocks. The species is highly arboreal, agile, and fast-moving through dense foliage. Though not a loud vocalist, it communicates with short chips and whistles while foraging.

Conservation Status: IUCN

Distribution

Occurs across northern and central South America, particularly within the Guianas, northern Brazil, and adjacent portions of Venezuela and Colombia. It is generally confined to lowland tropical rainforest.

Habitat

Inhabits humid tropical forests, typically in the upper canopy or forest edge. Also found in secondary growth and along riverside forests. It shows a preference for well-preserved primary rainforest, where fruiting trees are abundant.

Diet

Omnivorous. Feeds on a variety of small fruits, berries, nectar, and insects. Plays a vital role in seed dispersal and helps control insect populations. Forages actively in the canopy, sometimes in mixed-species flocks.

Reproduction

Breeding biology is not well documented, but like many tanagers, the female likely builds a small cup-shaped nest in dense vegetation or high in trees. Clutch size is assumed to be 2–3 eggs, and both parents may help feed the chicks. More field data is needed on incubation and fledging periods.

Adaptation

Iridescent plumage may aid in species recognition in dense canopy environments
Strong visual acuity for locating fruits among foliage
Agile flight for navigating treetops and escaping predators
Group foraging behaviour increases feeding efficiency and predator awareness
Flexible diet allows survival in a variety of seasonal conditions