Blue Dacnis
NameBlue Dacnis
Common NameBlue Dacnis
Scientific NameDacnis cayana
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsMales are brilliant turquoise-blue on the head, underparts, and rump, with a black back, wings, tail, and a distinctive black mask around the eye. Females are duller, mostly green with a blue wash on the head and breast, and darker wings and tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include thin, high-pitched 'tsip' or 'tsee' notes, often given in a series. They also produce a soft, trilling song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico south to northern Argentina and Paraguay.
Identifying FeaturesVibrant turquoise-blue and black plumage (male), Small size, Slender, pointed bill, Active foraging behavior in canopy and forest edges
Description
The Blue Dacnis is a small, active tanager known for the male's striking turquoise-blue plumage with contrasting black markings. They are typically found foraging in the canopy and at forest edges, often in mixed-species flocks.
