SCRUB TANAGER, Stilpnia vitriolina

The Scrub Tanager, (Stilpnia vitriolina) is an almost endemic species for Colombia, and is distributed between 500 and 2200 m above sea level throughout the Andean region, with the exception of the eastern slope of the Eastern Cordillera. It is also found in the Andean area north of Ecuador.

It is very abundant and easy to observe. Its common name comes from the bush vegetation where it can be found, but its name in Latin is more in line with it: vitriolin derives from the Latin vitreolus, meaning crystal, and refers to its green-bluish colors.

The Scrub Tanager most often is encountered in solitary pairs, although it occasionally joins other species at fruiting trees.

It feeds mainly on fruits and insects. Its nest is in the form of an open cup, which it usually builds in the treetops. They lay two pale green eggs with irregular spots of dark hue.

Photos by Victoria Restrepo ©