Blue-gray tanager

Thraupis episcopus

Species Information
Exhibit Name and Location Tropical Rain Forest - Main Aquarium, Level 5
Description of Animal Blue-gray tanagers belong to a large family of small, colorful tropical birds. Powder blue in color, the males and females look alike. Blue-gray tanagers, unlike most other tropical birds, prefer semi-open habitat and can often be found near human development, even nesting near or on buildings. They lay 1 to 3 mottled eggs, which the female incubates for 12 to 14 days. Both parents feed the chicks.
Aquarist's Note Blue-gray tanagers can be aggressive towards other birds and are extremely active, never sitting still for long. At the Aquarium, listen for their song, which isn’t very musical. It is a squeaky, raspy, staccato call of up to seven notes. After hearing the song, you will often see them flit from one branch to another.
Diet In the wild, Blue-gray tanagers eat a wide variety of fruits, berries, and insects and will sometimes eat leaves, flowers, and nectar. At the Aquarium, they receive a mixture of fruits, vegetables, insects, and commercial soft-bill pellets.
Size These birds are about 6 to 6½ inches (15 cm) in length and weigh a little more than an ounce (30 to 40 grams).
Range The tanager’s natural range is from southern Mexico through Central America and throughout northern South America. This species has been introduced into southern Florida.
Population Status Blue-gray tanagers are abundant and commonly sighted throughout their range.
Predators Birds of prey, felines (including domesticated cats), snakes, and crocodilians prey upon adults, and other predators, such as raccoons, eat young birds and eggs. As with most tropical birds, deforestation is the primary threat to this species.