About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Friday, August 12, 2016

#886: Tanager are colorful passerines of the tropics.

When I first drew a Tanager for T, I drew a Western Tanager. Some research determined that Western Tanager were not, in fact, actually Tanager at all, but more closely related to cardinals. Therefore, it has taken a bit of time to get to draw an actual Tanager - in this case the Green-headed Tanager. Yes, I know his head is actually blue...

Tanagers are small passerine birds of the New World, with most species found in the tropics of South America. Flocks are smaller, generally consisting of pairs or up to five individuals, although they may flock together with other species. He follows a predominantly insectivorous diet, with different species using different hunting techniques including hawking and gleaning. Most nests are cup-shaped, although some are almost globular. The female incubates the eggs, tended to by her mate. Several species have been show to utilise helpers in raising the chicks; these are possibly offspring from a previous brood.