Birds diurnal

Metallic-green Tanager

Tangara labradorides

A shimmering jewel of the Andes, the Metallic-green Tanager glows with an iridescent mint-and-turquoise hue. These social foragers are the stars of the cloud forest, often visiting garden feeders in vibrant, multi-species flocks.

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Quick Identification

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Size

12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 inches) in length; weighs approximately 14–20 grams

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Colors

Shimmering metallic mint-green and turquoise-blue plumage; black mask around eyes; cinnamon-buff vent; blue-edged wing and tail feathers

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Key Features

Distinctive metallic or 'frosted' pale green plumage
Sharp black mask across the lores and eyes
Buff or cinnamon-colored undertail coverts
Small, conical black bill

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Omnivorous, focusing heavily on small berries (especially Melastomataceae) and supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage.

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Habitat Subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, cloud forests, and high-elevation garden edges between 1,200 and 2,500 meters.

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Behavior

The Metallic-green Tanager is a high-energy acrobat of the Andean cloud forests. They are rarely seen sitting still, preferring to constantly flit through the canopy or secondary growth in search of food. They are highly social and are almost always found as part of a mixed-species foraging flock, traveling alongside other tanagers, honeycreepers, and flowerpiercers to increase their chances of finding food and spotting predators.

In backyards and forest edges, they are curious but cautious. They have a characteristic way of foraging where they hop along mossy branches, frequently hanging upside down or leaning at extreme angles to glean insects from the underside of leaves. While they are not particularly aggressive, they will defend a choice piece of fruit at a feeder from birds of a similar size.

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Camera Tips

To capture the incredible iridescence of the Metallic-green Tanager, lighting is your most important variable. These birds live in frequently misty or overcast 'cloud forest' environments, which can make their feathers look dull on camera. Position your AI camera to take advantage of directional morning light, but avoid placing it where the sun will be directly behind the bird, as this will wash out the metallic green tones. A slightly downward angle from a height of about 5-6 feet is ideal for showcasing the shimmering color on their back and crown.

Baiting is the most reliable way to get a clear, centered shot. These tanagers are highly attracted to fruit feeders; halved bananas or plantains are their absolute favorite. If you place a banana on a spike near a mossy branch, the bird will often land on the branch first to inspect the area, providing a perfect 'staging' shot before it moves to the fruit. Ensure your camera's trigger speed is set to its fastest setting, as their movements are notoriously 'twitchy' and fast.

Water is another powerful draw. A shallow, elevated birdbath with a small solar dripper will attract Metallic-green Tanagers for their mid-morning bath. Because they are often part of a larger flock, one bird landing usually triggers a 'follow the leader' effect where several species will visit in quick succession. Set your camera to record 15-20 second video clips rather than just stills to capture the social dynamics and the way their feathers shift from green to blue as they move. Check your lens frequently for mist or condensation, which is common in their high-altitude habitat.

Similar Species

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

Beryl-spangled Tanager

Has heavy black spotting or 'spangles' on the plumage, unlike the smooth metallic wash of the Metallic-green.

Blue-and-black Tanager

A much deeper cobalt blue overall with a solid black back, lacking the pale mint-green tones.

Golden-naped Tanager

Easily distinguished by the bright golden-yellow patch on the back of its crown.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the early morning hours, roughly from sunrise until 10:00 AM, and again in the late afternoon before dusk as they join mixed flocks for a final feed.

If you live within their Andean range, the best way to attract them is by offering fruit, particularly bananas or papaya, and planting native fruiting shrubs like Miconia.

Their diet consists of a mix of small fruits and berries, as well as insects and spiders which they find by searching through moss and the undersides of leaves.

They are common in suburban areas that are adjacent to montane forests or located in 'green' corridors at elevations between 1,200 and 2,500 meters in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

While both are green, the Metallic-green Tanager has a smooth, frosted appearance and a cinnamon vent, whereas the Beryl-spangled Tanager has distinct black spotting or 'spangles' across its breast and back.

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