About Tangara mexicana brasiliensis (Linnaeus, 1767)
Adult turquoise tanagers of the subspecies Tangara mexicana brasiliensis measure 14 cm (5.5 in) in length and weigh 20 g. They have long tails, and a dark, stout, pointed bill. Adult plumage is primarily dark blue and black, with turquoise edging along the primary flight feathers. Most subspecies of this species have yellow lower underparts, but the nominate subspecies found in north-eastern South America has paler, creamier lower underparts instead. The subspecies from Trinidad, T. m. vieiloti, has a darker blue head and breast, and more vividly yellow underparts than the subspecies that live on the mainland. The song of this bird is a fast, squeaky chatter rendered as tic-tic-tic-tic-tic.
