Orange-eared Tanager vs Green-and-gold Tanager

In short

The Orange-eared Tanager is best identified by its distinctive orange-red neck-sides, while the Green-and-gold Tanager features a yellow crown and rump with black streaks on the back. Both species are colorful, but their unique head and back markings are key to distinguishing them.

Identification tips

• Look for the orange-red neck-sides on the Orange-eared Tanager.
• Check for the yellow crown and rump with black streaks on the back for the Green-and-gold Tanager.
• Note the black mask on the face of the Green-and-gold Tanager.
• Observe behavior: Orange-eared Tanagers are often in mixed-species flocks.

Size

Both species are small tanagers, but there is no significant size difference noted between them.

Plumage

The Orange-eared Tanager has orange-red neck-sides and, in some subspecies, a black throat patch. In contrast, the Green-and-gold Tanager has a yellow crown and rump, black streaks on the back, and a black mask-like face. Females of the Green-and-gold Tanager are duller with a greener crown.

Behaviour

Orange-eared Tanagers often travel with mixed-species flocks in the canopy or subcanopy, while Green-and-gold Tanagers are omnivorous and feed on fruits and insects.

Habitat

Both species inhabit forested areas, but specific habitat preferences are not detailed in the sources.