Black-capped Tanager male by David Whited

Black-capped Tanager male

David Whited

Black-capped Tanager male

Digital photography

Inv: PH-1576

The male Black-capped Tanager (*Stilpnia heinei*) is a sleek and elegantly patterned bird that exudes a quiet, jewel-like beauty. His most defining feature is his deep, velvety black cap, which sits sharply atop his head like a hood and contrasts beautifully with the rest of his plumage. His upperparts are a rich, iridescent silvery-blue to turquoise-green, shimmering with a metallic sheen that catches the light magnificently in the canopy of his Andean forest home. The wings and tail are blackish, edged with the same glittering blue-green, adding to his refined appearance. His underparts are a clean, pale silvery-white to grayish-white, providing a striking contrast against the darker tones of his back and cap. His bill is short, sturdy, and dark, typical of the tanager family, and his eyes are a deep reddish-brown. Altogether, the male Black-capped Tanager is a gem of the cloud forest, combining crisp, bold patterning with an iridescent metallic palette that makes him a favorite among birdwatchers exploring the Andes of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.