Spangle-cheeked Tanager Tangara dowii Scientific name definitions

Spangle-cheeked Tanagers were previously considered to be conspecific with the Green-naped Tanager (Tangara fucosa) on account of their similar vocalizations and foraging behavior, as well as plumage. However, the two species are genetically distinct and geographically isolated. The Spangle-cheeked Tanager is found in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, and its overall altitudinal range spans 1100 to 3200 m. Unlike many Tangara species, it typically travels in single-species flocks, and only occasionally joins flocks with other species, most commonly those containing Common Bush-Tanagers (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus). This species’ heavily spangled upperparts should make it automatically distinctive within its range. Outside of its range, other aspects of the coloration separate this species from the Green-naped Tanager. Little is known about its diet and life history. Other names include the Dow Tanager (Davis 1972), Calliste paillete [French], Glanzfleckentangare [German], and Tangara Caripinta [Spanish] (Isler and Isler 1987).

12 cm; 20 g. Small tanager with rather “unkempt”, spangled appearance. Male has head to throat and back dull black, with rufous spot on central hindcrown; nape, side of neck, and lower and rear ear-coverts thickly spangled with bluish-green, breast spotted bluish-green, spangles and spotting often more chartreuse-yellow or lime-green, sometimes buffy-white; small central crown spot golden-rufous; rump pale green, uppertail-coverts mixed tawny and light blue; upper­wing-coverts, flight-feathers and tail black, feathers edged dark blue; lower breast and belly rich tawny, underwing-coverts buffy white; iris dark brown; bill black; legs dark grey. Female is similar to male, but slightly less spotted on neck and breast. Immature is much duller than adult, spotting less distinct, lacks crown patch.

Mountains of Costa Rica (from E Guanacaste and S Alajuela) E to W Panama (Chiriquí and Veraguas).

Fruits and insects. Observed to take wide variety of small fruits and berries, including Gaiadendron (Loranthaceae), several species of melastome, Ericaceae, Urera (Urticaceae) and Fuchsia (Onagraceae). Occurs in pairs or small groups throughout year, and often with small mixed-species flocks containing Chlorospingus species and other mostly fruit-eating birds. Forages from low to high, but more often at middle levels or higher. Rapidly works outwards along branches, often pausing to lean head down and examine first one side and then the other of mossy branches for insect prey.

Calls include high, thin “tsip” or “seek”, often accelerating into fast twitter. No song described.