Photo by edenwatcher Copalinga Lodge, Ecuador, March 2006 -
Cissopis leverianus A large, long-tailed Tanager. Length 26-29
cm. Weight 69-76 g. - Glossy blue-black head to upper back,
neck, throat and chest to point on mid-breast, forming shaddy
hood - White middle back, scapulars, rump and uppertail-coverts
- Black-and-white long and strongly graduated tail - Rest of
wing black with some white edges - White underparts below
central breast - Yellow eye - Short and thick black bill -
Strong, blackish legs Sexes similar, immatures resemble adults.
Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and
Bolivia. A widespread and fairly common species. Two subspecies
recognized1: The second part of the scientific name has been
changed from leveriana to leverianus River floodplains and
forest edges among grass and shrubs. Diet includes seed and
fruits and insects. Usually seen in pairs or family groups. Not
found in mixed-species flocks but often associates with Black-
throated Grosbeak. It builds a cup shaped ne