tanager

1. Bird Name

The bird featured in this profile is known in English as the Tanager. The scientific or Latin name for the Tanager is Thraupidae.

2. Appearance

Tanagers are famous for their bright and distinctive coloration. They often boast vibrant and attractively contrasting colors, such as turquoise, pink, yellow, and red. The beak of a Tanager is usually stout and conical in shape, an ideal tool for cracking seeds and piercing fruit. The eyes are dark and small, while their feet are purposely built for gripping onto branches. The feather texture of Tanagers is generally smooth and glossy, giving them a polished appearance.
In many species, there is sexual dimorphism, with males usually being brightly colored while females display a more muted green or yellow.

3. Size

The size of Tanagers varies depending upon the species, but they generally range from 11 to 23 cm (4.3 to 9.1 inches) in length. The weights range from 11.5 g (.40 oz) to 210 g (7.4 ounces). The wingspan of larger species may extend to up to 14 inches.

4. Habitat & Distribution

Tanagers are primarily found within the tropical regions of the Americas, particularly in South America. There they inhabit a variety of habitats from the Amazon rainforest to Andean highlands and even coastal areas. Some species can be found further north in Mexico, the Caribbean, and even parts of North America.

5. Interesting Facts

Tanagers are characterised by their social behaviours, often forming mixed-species flock during non-breeding seasons. Some species of Tanagers are known to migrate between South and North America during breeding seasons. They also have a cultural significance in many South American indigenous cultures, often being associated with the sun due to their bright colors.

6. Diet

Tanagers primarily feed on fruits and berries but also consume insects and nectars. Some species also include small invertebrates in their diet.

7. Behavior & Sounds

Tanagers are high energy, active feeders, moving ubiquitously between branches in pursuit of food. Their flight pattern is typically fast and direct. Their calls and songs vary between species but often consist of high, thin whistles and complex melodies.

8. Conservation Status

Many Tanager species are listed as of “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List. However, habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation present ongoing threats to several species.

9. Lifespan

On average, a Tanager lives for about 12 years in the wild, while in captivity, they are known to survive up to 16 years.

10. Additional Notes

In South America, the Tanager’s local names widely differ based on their coloring or regional dialects. For instance, they are known as “Chiroque” in Peru and “Tangara escarlata” in Colombia. Some species of Tanagers have also been observed participating in “Anting” – a behavior where birds rub insects on their feathers, presumably to ward off parasites. In ecosystems, Tanagers play a crucial role in seed dispersal due to their frugivorous diet.