Palm Tanager (thraupis palmarum)

If there is one type of bird which has a distinctive character here, it would be the Palm Tanager. They are the first to the feeder in the morning and are typically the last ones to leave. They are nervous, but are not shy - perhaps why they appear to have the most character. On mornings where I have slept in and the feeder was empty, I have had palm tanagers come into the house looking for me and whistling loudly. They seem to know how this whole operation works and will go directly to the source when unhappy. They will eat fruit and bread, though they prefer bananas and papayas.

Other names for them include the 'green jean' or the 'palmiste'.

These are easily my favorite birds for a variety of reasons - first, they offer great character shots of birds. While they may lack the striking colors that many people prefer, these birds more than compensate for it with their behavior. While the Great Kiskedees, Bare-eyed thrushes and Tropical Mockingbirds may cause a disruption at the feeders, the feeder definitely belongs to these lively birds. During a day of writing and other work, these tanagers provide always provide some form of interesting diversion.

One of the more noteworthy behaviors, be it through group interaction or personal behavior, is how they deal with the larger birds at the feeder.

Tanagers in the process of displacing an immature Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus Gilvus)

When a large bird bullies them off the feeder, they will take turns pestering the larger bird until eventually the larger bird gives chase - off of the feeder. Then the other tanagers can eat; blue-grey tanagers (thraupis episcopus) also participate in this.

Wikipedia reference: Palm Tanager
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