Orange-throated Tanager

The violets shoulder - tanagers ( Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron ) is a Singvogelart from the family of Tanagers. It is the only type named within the genus Wetmorethraupis and after the American ornithologist Alexander Wetmore U.S..

Description

The violets shoulder tanagers reaches a length of 17 cm. It is characterized by its striking shining black, orange and blue. The head, tail and most of the wings are black. The elytra, umbrella springs and secondaries are violet blue. Chest and throat are orange, lower abdomen and rump show a bright yellow ocher.

Occurrence and habitat

The occurrence of this species extends from the Cordillera del Cóndor in the Ecuadorian province of Zamora Chinchipe into the northern Amazonas region in Peru. It occurs on the western slopes above the Río Nangaritza in Ecuador and on the lower eastern slopes and foothills above the rivers Marañón and Cenepa in Peru. According to the Aguaruna Indians it is to the southwest of the known distribution area also occur in the forests in the headwaters of the Rio Nieva. To their habitat include the Terra - firme rainforest and the mountain forests in the upper tropical zone between 600 and 1000 meters.

Way of life

The lifestyle of violets shoulder Tanager has barely explored. She goes in pairs or in small groups of up to five birds in search of food. Occasionally she joins strange bird flocks. Their diet consists of fruit and insects.

Status

Where viable habitat is present, the violet shoulder Tanager is still relatively common to find. In Peru, an estimated BirdLife International between 10,000 and 20,000 copies. Their habitat is becoming increasingly more concentrated by deforestation. In northern Peru, the foothills are already heavily deforested, but the Anguaruna Indians were able to prevent a greater intrusion into their territory so far.