The Golden-hooded Tanager (Tangara larvata) is a neotropical species that inhabits humid forest and forest edges. It belongs to the speciose genus Tangara and is often considered to belong to a superspecies with the Masked Tanager (Tangara nigrocincta) and Blue-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanicollis).
This tanager is a resident breeder from southern Mexico south to western Ecuador. Some of the easiest places to see this beautiful little tanager is at Selva Verde Lodge & Laguna del Lagarto Lodge in Costa Rica. Use an award to Central America to get to San Jose. The lodges can organize a private shuttle or you can use the local buses to get there. They are also frequently seen in Soberania National Park in Panama as the video clips below show.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BIRD
VIDEOS
This is an adorable video of a baby Golden-hooded Tanager fledging. I love how he works up his courage, then takes off!
This adult is preening, perhaps getting ready for his close-up!
Here’s a hungry little guy!