Costa Rica Species
Thraupis palmarum
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Thraupis palmarum

Palm Tanager

Wied, 1821

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Medium-sized bird with mostly olive-gray plumage and green wing patches, very common in open areas and plantations.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Julia Trouin

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Passeriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Thraupidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Thraupis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Wied, 1821
Record Completeness
93%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Spring

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Omnivore

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Inhabits a wide variety of environments, from humid forests to urban parks, gardens, and plantations.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Active social behavior, often interacting with other birds at artificial feeders.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Generally lives in pairs or small family groups throughout the year.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Active foraging in both the forest canopy and clearings near the ground.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Opportunistic omnivore: consumes fruits, nectar, insects, and occasionally human food scraps.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Builds cup-shaped nests at the bases of palm leaves or in crevices of human constructions.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

16.0 - 19.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

30 g - 45 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

1 Years

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

13 - 14

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Great trophic adaptability, allowing it to take advantage of both natural and anthropogenic food resources.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Although it does not face serious threats, excessive urbanization can displace local populations in rural areas.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

It is a very noisy and active bird, frequently observed in pairs in the crowns of palm trees.