The Inti Tanager, Yellow Tanager or also known as the St. Peter’s Tanager, is a unique species. This bird was officially discovered and described in 2021 – despite being spotted over 20 years ago.
Peru Jungle Trips leads you to know more about this particular not-so-known bird species.
For over two decades, the mystery of this striking creature persisted. We now know it’s the only member of its genus, Heliothraupis.
Unlike the majority of tanager it has some fascinating migratory patterns unlike most other tanagers. It breeds in a specific valley in Bolivia, but then travels all the way to southern Peru’s eastern Andes (around Manu National Park) slopes for the non-breeding season.
Back in 2000, expert bird-watchers, Daniel Lane and Gary Rosenberg were leading a tour to the Manu National Park. While traveling they heard the most beautiful, cheerful birdsong coming from the forest. They were in the Kosñipata area, a hugely popular spot for birders since the road there cuts through diverse elevations teeming with nearly 1,000 different species. But even these seasoned pros were stunned by what they saw – a dazzlingly yellow bird they’d never encountered before.
Remarkably, its preferred hangouts include the very same Kosñipata region along the Manu Reserved Zone where it was first sighted in 2000!
It was hard to tell that this cryptic, uniquely evolved bird had been living right under the noses of Peru’s top birding experts? Its habitat preferences, like nesting in bamboo thickets, help explain why it went undetected for so long.
After 21 long years, we finally have the scientific data to understand this special tanager. But its radiant beauty and incredible origin story ensure the Inti Tanager will always retain an aura of magic and discovery. Nature still has some delightful surprises up her sleeve!
This tiny, vividly-colored bird truly stands out from the crowd! Its measure is just 7 inches long and it weighs under an ounce. the Inti Tanager is a brilliantly yellow vision with striking black stripes above its eyes and an orange beak.
Both the male and female sport this dazzling plumage. However, males take it up a notch with a thick little crest that can perk up or lay flat. Those sunny yellow feather coverts make them totally unique among the tanager family. And check out those yellowish-brown legs – so stylish!
It wasn’t until genetic analysis that they confirmed the Inti Tanager does indeed belong with its tanager cousins – just a very distinct one!
Another cool fact? This bird’s rich, musical call is enthusiastically sung by both sexes.
But unlike most birds which do their singing bright and early, the Inti Tanager waits until late morning after the dawn chorus has quieted down. Then it cheerfully serenades throughout the heat of the day, putting on a solo show while other birds take an afternoon siesta from song.
With its unique look and quirky singing habits, the Inti Tanager is like that friend who dances to her own beat and dresses completely original. An under-appreciated gem for too long, this special bird is finally getting the spotlight it deserves!
Peru Jungle Trips arranges tours to the spot where this bird specimen was firstly sighted and re-discovered. If you’re keen of visiting the Amazon in Peru to focus on birdwatching activities, contact us and we’ll make it possible. Until then enjoy your day!