- Scientific Name: Eucometis penicillata
- Name in Spanish (Mexico): Tangara Cabeza Gris
- ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: GHET
- Family: Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies
- Order: Passeriformes – Perching Birds
About this Species
The Gray-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata) is a small, colorful bird found in Belize and throughout much of Central and South America. It has olive to yellow upperparts, bright yellow underparts, and a conspicuous gray head and crest making it a striking sight in the dense forest canopy where it typically resides.
In Belize, the Gray-headed Tanager is widely distributed across the country, from the lowland rainforests to the mountainous areas in the west. It can be found in a variety of forest types, including both primary and secondary forests, as well as forest edges and clearings. It is also known to frequent fruiting trees, where it feeds on a variety of fruits and insects.
The natural history of the Gray-headed Tanager is still being studied, but it is known to be a social bird that often forms mixed-species flocks with other small bird species. It is a resident species in Belize, meaning it does not migrate, and breeding occurs throughout the year, with nests typically being constructed in the canopy of trees. Overall, the Gray-headed Tanager is a fascinating and beautiful bird species that is a joy to observe in the wild.
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