Species profile
About this species
The Beryl-spangled Tanager is a striking small bird found across the Andean regions of South America, notable for its brilliant iridescent plumage of black & turquoise-green that shimmers in sunlight. It typically measures around 13 cm in length & belongs to the diverse Thraupidae family. The species is highly active & often found foraging for fruit & insects in forest canopy with mixed-species flocks.
Montane cloud forests & humid forest edges along the Andes, typically found at elevations between 1000 & 2500 metres in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia & Venezuela.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Beryl-spangled Tanager with us in Colombia.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning during the fruiting season between October & March offers the best conditions, as birds are most active & light is soft enough to reveal the iridescent colouring without harsh shadows.
Position yourself at mid-canopy level where possible, as this species forages actively in the upper & middle storeys of forest - a hide or elevated forest trail will help you reach eye level with the bird. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze movement, as the tanager rarely stays still for long & the iridescent plumage requires sharp focus to capture its full brilliance. Visit fruiting trees or mixed-species feeding flocks early in the morning when light is soft & birds are most actively foraging, giving you repeated opportunities for close shots.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Beryl-spangled Tanager
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.