Today, we're thrilled to introduce the vibrant and charming Blue-gray Tanager to the Birdorable family! This tropical beauty is sure to captivate bird enthusiasts with its stunning appearance and delightful personality.

Blue-gray Tanagers are native to a wide range of habitats, making them a versatile and adaptable species. You can spot these striking songbirds in various wooded and open environments, stretching from central Mexico to the northern regions of South America. With their extensive range, they have become a beloved sight for birdwatchers across the continent.

One of the remarkable characteristics of the Blue-gray Tanager is its diverse diet. These avian wonders have a palate that includes fruits, seeds, insects, and even nectar on occasion. Their ability to feed on a variety of food sources showcases their resourcefulness and adaptability in their chosen habitats.

What truly sets the Blue-gray Tanager apart is its enchanting plumage. These birds boast a captivating blend of blue and gray tones, which makes them a true tropical gem. Their vibrant colors are a testament to the beauty of the natural world, and observing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience.

Unlike some migratory species, Blue-gray Tanagers are resident birds, meaning they remain in their habitats throughout the year. This makes them a reliable sight for bird enthusiasts who wish to enjoy their colorful presence whenever they venture into the great outdoors.

The Blue-gray Tanager is a perfect addition to the Birdorable collection, and we're excited to share its beauty with you. Stay tuned for more exciting additions to our Birdorable family as we continue to celebrate the wonderful world of birds.

Tomorrow's new bird is the smallest species of stork in the world. Do you know the name of this bird?

The tanagers are a family of songbirds found across the Americas. These small birds tend to be colorful; often males are more brightly plumaged than females.

Tanagers in name only?
There are four species of tanager found in North America. These are the Western Tanager, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, and Hepatic Tanager. They are in the genus Piranga and are thought to be closely related to cardinals; they may not belong in the tanagers' Thraupidae family at all.

Colorful Across the Americas
In total there are over 200 species of tanager. Most are found in tropical habitats, and many species have relatively small native ranges. For example, the Green-headed Tanager is found along a narrow strip extending from southeast Brazil down into southeastern Paraguay and northeast Argentina.

Western is Most North
North America's Western Tanager is notable for being the northern-most ranging species of tanager. This migratory species breeds as far north as Canada's Northwest Territories. They spend the winters in Central America.

Hepatic: I'm Huge in South America
In the United States, the Hepatic Tanager is only found as a breeding bird in the southwestern mountains. However, the species has a very large native range and many birds are permanent residents across a large portion of South America.

Summer's Pretty Song
Most tanagers are not known for their pretty song, but the Summer Tanager is an exception. It sings a melodic tune that reminds many of the American Robin's song.

Cowbird's Target
The Scarlet Tanager is particularly susceptible to brood parasitism from Brown-headed Cowbirds. Being forest nesters, they never developed a strategy against the rogue-nesting cowbirds. Segmented habitat (due to human developement) means tanagers more often nest near open habitats favored by cowbirds, rather than deep inside old-growth forests where cowbirds rarely occur.

Ripe Old Age
The longevity record for wild Western Tanagers is nearly seven years; for wild Summer Tanagers it is nearly eight years; and for wild Scarlet Tanagers the record is nearly twelve years. These records were collected via bird banding.

On the fifth day of Birdorable, my true love sent to me ... 5 Gold-ringed Tanagers! As we joyously proceed with our 12 Days of Birdorable, today marks the introduction of a vibrant new feathered friend—the Birdorable Gold-ringed Tanager, a stunning addition to our growing family of avian species.

Venturing creatively beyond the traditional "Five Gold Rings" from the cherished "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol, we're thrilled to present the Gold-ringed Tanager. This bird, with its striking appearance and endemic status to Colombia, is a true treasure of the natural world, deserving of a spotlight in our festive countdown.

Adorned with vibrant hues that could rival any precious metal, the Gold-ringed Tanager features a mesmerizing combination of black, bright yellow, and blue, accented with golden rings around its body that gleam like the sun filtering through a dense forest canopy. This small but incredibly striking bird inhabits the cloud forests of Colombia, a habitat that is as unique and enchanting as the tanager itself.

As we revel in the beauty of the Gold-ringed Tanager on this fifth day of Birdorable, let's be reminded of the incredible diversity of life that shares this planet with us. Let the festive season be a time of joy, wonder, and a deeper connection to the natural world, with the Birdorable Gold-ringed Tanager leading the way in our hearts and imaginations.

This is the fifth day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Four Calling Birds
• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree