Plumages, Molts, and Structure

In general, most tanagers only molt once a year (Isler and Isler 1987), and this prebasic molt likely occurs afterthe breeding season (Isler and Isler 1987, Ryder and Wolfe 2009). However, many species have been found to breed in subadult plumage (Isler and Isler 1987). In many species of Tangara, the preformative molt is partial (Ryder and Wolfe 2009). Although a subadult/juvenile plumage is described for Tangara parzudakii (Isler and Isler 1987), more specific information on molt and its timing is not available for this species.

Iris: dark brown

Bill: black

Tarsi and toes: dark gray

Bare parts color data from Hilty (2011).

Total length: 14-15 cm (Meyer de Schauensee 1964, Hilty and Brown 1986, Isler and Isler 1987, Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990, Hilty 2003).

Mass (overall): mean 28 g (range 25-31 g, n = 21; Isler and Isler 1987).

Mass (Mindo, Ecuador): mean 26.6 g, SD = 1.4; n=9 (Naoki 2007).