Species profile
About this species
The Blue-naped Chlorophonia is a small, vividly coloured bird found in the forests of South America & parts of Central America. The male displays striking plumage with bright green upperparts, a vivid blue nape patch, & a yellow-green underside, while the female is more subdued in colouration. This species is a member of the tanager family & is known for its melodious whistling calls.
Humid montane forests, forest edges, & areas with dense fruiting vegetation, typically at elevations between 500m & 2000m across northern South America & parts of Central America.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Blue-naped Chlorophonia with us in Brazil.
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 hours between dawn & 9am are ideal when the birds are most active & feeding. The dry season, typically from December to April depending on the region, offers better visibility & more consistent light in the forest understorey.
Position yourself near fruiting trees where these birds feed, as they are attracted to berries & small fruits, offering excellent close-range opportunities. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/800s to freeze movement in the forest canopy & capture the vivid plumage detail clearly. A telephoto lens of 400mm or longer is recommended to maintain distance & avoid disturbing the bird while still achieving a well-composed, sharp image.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Blue-naped Chlorophonia
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.