Birds diurnal

Glistening-green Tanager

Chlorochrysa phoenicotis

A living emerald of the Andes, the Glistening-green Tanager is a master of the mossy heights. Its radiant, iridescent plumage and acrobatic personality make it a crown jewel for any backyard explorer in the Chocó bioregion.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 inches); Weight: 20-24 g (0.7-0.85 oz)

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Colors

Uniformly brilliant iridescent emerald green; small orange-yellow spot behind the eye (auriculars); tiny red spot on the shoulder (lesser coverts) that is often hidden. Males and females look nearly identical.

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Key Features

Solid, glistening emerald green plumage
Distinctive orange-yellow ear patch
Small, sharp black bill
Active, acrobatic foraging style, often hanging upside down

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily insectivorous, specializing in gleaning larvae, spiders, and small insects from mossy branches; also consumes small berries and melastome fruits.

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Habitat Humid montane forests, mossy cloud forests, and adjacent forest edges, typically at elevations between 700 and 2,200 meters.

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Behavior

The Glistening-green Tanager is a high-energy acrobat of the Andean cloud forests. Unlike many other tanagers that prefer the dense canopy, this species is frequently observed at middle heights, moving restlessly through moss-covered branches. They are highly social and are almost always found as integral members of mixed-species foraging flocks, often traveling alongside honeycreepers and other colorful mountain tanagers.

While they are not particularly shy around humans, they are constantly in motion, making them a delightful challenge for observers. Their foraging style is unique; they behave more like chickadees or titmice, clinging to the undersides of branches and investigatively probing into moss and bromeliads for hidden larvae and insects. They don't have a complex song, instead communicating with high-pitched, thin 'seep' calls that help keep the flock together as they move through the mist.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Glistening-green Tanager requires focusing on the 'moss layer' of the mid-story. If your property or trail is within their range, position your AI-powered camera 5 to 10 feet off the ground, targeting horizontal, moss-laden branches or large bromeliads. Because these birds are specialist 'gleaners,' they spend a significant amount of time meticulously inspecting these surfaces for insects. Use a camera with a very fast trigger speed or high-speed burst mode, as their movements are quick and jerky.

Luring this species is most effectively achieved with fruit-based feeding stations. While they are heavy insect-eaters, they are frequent visitors to platform feeders offering halved bananas or plantains. Place your camera at a 45-degree angle to the feeder rather than head-on; this allows the sunlight to hit the structural colors of their feathers, maximizing the 'glistening' effect that gives them their name. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can cause 'blown-out' highlights on their iridescent feathers; soft, morning light or the diffused light of a cloudy day produces the best color accuracy.

For the most natural shots, look for 'hotspots' where mixed-species flocks regularly pass through. If you have a birdbath or a dripping water feature, these tanagers are highly likely to visit, as they love to bathe in the cool mountain moisture. Set your camera to video mode (at least 60fps) to capture the spectacular sight of their emerald feathers catching the light during a bath. Ensure your equipment is well-protected with weather-sealing, as their primary habitat is characterized by high humidity and frequent tropical drizzle.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Glistening-green Tanager.

Grass-green Tanager

Much larger than the Glistening-green, with a bright red bill and legs, and lacking the orange ear-spot.

Emerald Tanager

Has distinct black spotting on the wings and a more yellowish-green hue compared to the solid, uniform emerald of the Glistening-green.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active in the early morning hours, typically from sunrise until about 10:30 AM, when they are most vigorously foraging as part of mixed-species flocks.

If you live in a montane forest region, you can attract them by maintaining native mossy trees and providing a platform feeder with fresh bananas or plantains.

Their diet consists of small insects and spiders gleaned from moss and bark, supplemented by various small forest fruits and berries.

They are generally not found in urban or heavily deforested suburban areas, as they require the humidity and complexity of intact cloud forest or mature forest edges.

Look for the uniform, brilliant emerald color and the distinct orange-yellow spot behind the eye. Unlike the larger Grass-green Tanager, they lack a red bill and are much smaller.

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