Blue Dacnis
Dacnis cayana
Scientific Name
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
Family
Passeriformes
Order
D. c. ultramarina
Subspecies. Nicaragua to western Panama
D. c. callaina
Subspecies. Eastern Panama through western Colombia
D. c. cayana
Subspecies. Eastern Colombia through the Guianas to Brazil
D. c. glaucogularis
Subspecies. Western Ecuador and northwestern Peru
D. c. paraguayensis
Subspecies. Southern Brazil to northern Argentina
Range and Habitat of Blue Dacnis
Geographic Range
Nicaragua south through Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina
Migratory Patterns
Non-migratory but shows local movements following flowering and fruiting patterns. Some altitudinal migration.
Preferred Habitat
Forest edges, secondary growth, gardens, plantations, gallery forests, canopy of humid forests, areas with flowering and fruiting trees
Altitude Range
Most common below 1,000 m, occasionally to 1,500 m, rare vagrant to 2,000 m
Costa Rica Habitat
Both Caribbean and Pacific slopes, more common on Caribbean side.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Common in Costa Rica within appropriate habitat
Habitat loss from deforestation
Conservation efforts
Protected in numerous Costa Rican reserves
Primary Threats
Habitat loss from deforestation
Blue Dacnis Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM), Afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM)
Size
Length: 12-13 cm; Weight: 11-14 g (males average 13 g, females 12.5 g)
Plumage
Adult males: Brilliant turquoise-blue overall with black mask through eyes, black back, wings, and tail. Wing feathers edged with blue. Throat may show purple-blue iridescence. Bill pointed and black. Legs bright red-orange.
Adult females: Bright green overall with blue head and shoulder patch. Underparts paler green to yellowish-green. Wings and tail dusky with green edges. No mask. Legs duller orange.
Distinctive Features
Sharp, pointed, slightly decurved black bill and bright coral-red to orange legs and feet
Sexual Dimorphism
Extreme sexual dimorphism - males brilliant blue with black markings; females green with blue highlights. One of most sexually dimorphic Costa Rican birds.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- Nectar from flowers, small fruits and berries, small beetles, flies, ants, spiders, caterpillars, seeds
Foraging Techniques
- Probes flowers with specialized tongue; Gleans insects from leaves and branches
Feeding Times
- Most active early morning (6:00-10:00) and late afternoon (15:00-17:00)
Behavior Patterns
Blue Dacnis
Social Structure
Usually in pairs or small groups of 3-5 individuals
Song and Vocalization
High-pitched, thin “tsip-tsip-tsee-tsee-tsee” accelerating series. Generally not very vocal compared to other tanagers.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Male performs flutter-display flights, feeds female and chases it through canopy
Territoriality
Not strongly territorial; defends only immediate nest area. Multiple pairs may feed in same tree.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Blue Dacnis
- La Selva Biological Station
- Cope Arte trail (Guápiles area)
- Carara National Park (river trail)
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Rancho Naturalista
- Wilson Botanical Garden
- Selva Verde Lodge
- Sarapiquí area
- Villa Lapas (Tárcoles)
Best Time of the Year
Year-round, but most visible during breeding season (April-June) and when trees flower (December-February)
Common Behavior
Check flowering trees, especially Inga and Erythrina
Recommended Gear
- 8×42 binoculars minimum
- Camera with telephoto lens (400mm+)
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
March-August, peak April-June (wet season)
Nesting Sites
Small cup nest made of fine rootlets, moss, and fungal filaments, placed in tree fork 3-15 m high
Clutch Size
2-3 eggs (usually 2)
Incubation Period
12-13 days
Parental Care
Female builds nest and incubates alone. Both parents feed nestlings. Fledging at 13-14 days. Young dependent for 2-3 weeks after fledging.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
Males sometimes feed females even outside breeding season to maintain pair bonds
Surprising Traits
Blue Dacnis can digest sugars that are toxic to many other birds. It can see ultraviolet light, helping locate nectar guides on flowers
How do I identify this bird?
Males are unmistakable – brilliant turquoise-blue with black mask, back, and wings, plus bright red-orange legs. Females are green with blue on head and shoulders. The pointed bill and small size distinguish from honeycreepers.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
La Selva Biological Station is excellent, especially around flowering trees near the dining hall. Any lowland area with forest edges and flowering trees can be productive. Gardens at eco-lodges often attract them.
Is it endangered?
No, it’s listed as Least Concern with stable populations. Common in appropriate habitat throughout Costa Rica’s lowlands and foothills.