Tersina viridis

(Illiger, 1811)

Vernacular names
English : Swallow tanager
French : Tersine hirondelle

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Thraupidae
Notes : 3 subspecies known

Identification
The species can reach 14 cm in length for a weight of 35 g. Unmistakable. According to subspecies male can be turquoise or greenish-blue with black mask and faint black stripes on flanks, white belly. Female is dull green.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, from Colombia to South Venezuela and Guianas, south to Southern Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. Lives in most kinds of forests, woodlands, forest edges and plantations, to 2100 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains safe so far and can withstand slight habitat changes. Some parts of the species’ range are at risk from deforestation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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