Blue Saki (Thraupis episcopus)

The blue saki or blue-gray tanager (Thraupis episcopusis) a well-known and common bird in Guyana. They inhabit a range from Mexico South to Bolivia and in Northern Brazil. The bird is called blue jean in Trinidad and Tobago.

Blue saki

It primary diet consists of fruits (frugivore). For this reason, they are considered as very effective seed dispersers; however they may also feed on nectar and insects. The bird measures about six to seven (6-7) inches in length, which includes its two inch long tail. The sexes are similar, but the immature is much duller in plumage. They are extremely social birds and usually seen in pairs or small groups. Pairs remain together year-round and often accompanied by adult offspring, as well as other foraging flocks containing unrelated individuals (Dmitri Allicock).

The Blue Saki was especially popularized in the 1970’s by Guyanese Legend, Dave Martins who wrote an inspirational song called “Not a blade of grass” during the border conflict with Guyana and Venezuela (check the video below). Over the last year, this song has once again resurfaced in its popularity due to the renewed border conflict between Guyana and its western neighbour.