Species profile
About this species
The Green-headed Tanager is a strikingly colourful bird native to the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay & north-eastern Argentina. It displays a vivid mosaic of turquoise, green, orange & black plumage, making it one of the most visually spectacular tanagers in South America. The species is typically found in forest edges & canopy areas where it forages for fruit & insects in small flocks.
Humid Atlantic Forest, forest edges, secondary growth & gardens in south-eastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay & north-eastern Argentina, typically at elevations up to 1800 metres.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Green-headed Tanager 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 shortly after dawn offer the best light & activity levels, as flocks are most active while foraging. The breeding season from September to January sees increased bird activity & brighter plumage conditions.
Position yourself near fruiting trees at forest edges where flocks regularly gather, as the birds will return repeatedly to reliable food sources allowing multiple composition opportunities. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze movement, as these birds are highly active & rarely stay still for long. A focal length of 400mm or more is recommended to capture detail without disturbing the flock, & shooting in the soft morning light will bring out the full iridescence of their plumage.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Green-headed 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.