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Tanagers
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Superfamily: Emberizoidea
Family: Thraupidae
Cabanis, 1847
Type genus
Thraupis
Boie, F., 1826
Genera

Many: see text

The tanagers (singular /ˈtænəər/) comprise the bird family Thraupidae, in the order Passeriformes. The family has a Neotropical distribution and is the second-largest family of birds. It represents about 4% of all avian species and 12% of the Neotropical birds.[1]

Traditionally, the family contained around 240 species of mostly brightly colored fruit-eating birds.[2] As more of these birds were studied using modern molecular techniques, it became apparent that the traditional families were not monophyletic. Euphonia and Chlorophonia, which were once considered part of the tanager family, are now treated as members of the Fringillidae, in their own subfamily (Euphoniinae). Likewise, the genera Piranga (which includes the scarlet tanager, summer tanager, and western tanager), Chlorothraupis, and Habia appear to be members of the family Cardinalidae,[3] and have been reassigned to that family by the American Ornithological Society.[4]

Description

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Tanagers are small to medium-sized birds. The shortest-bodied species, the white-eared conebill, is 9 cm (4 in) long and weighs 6 g (0.2 oz), barely smaller than the short-billed honeycreeper. The longest, the magpie tanager is 28 cm (11 in) and weighs 76 g (2.7 oz). The heaviest is the white-capped tanager, which weighs 114 g (4.02 oz) and measures about 24 cm (9.4 in). Both sexes are usually the same size and weight.

Tanagers are often brightly colored, but some species are black and white. Males are typically more brightly colored than females and juveniles. Most tanagers have short, rounded wings. The shape of the bill seems to be linked to the species' foraging habits.

Distribution

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Tanagers are restricted to the Western Hemisphere and mainly to the tropics. About 60% of tanagers live in South America, and 30% of these species live in the Andes. Most species are endemic to a relatively small area.

Behavior

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Most tanagers live in pairs or in small groups of three to five individuals. These groups may consist simply of parents and their offspring. These birds may also be seen in single-species or mixed flocks. Many tanagers are thought to have dull songs, though some are elaborate.[citation needed]

Diet

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Tanagers are omnivorous, and their diets vary by genus. They have been seen eating fruits, seeds, nectar, flower parts, and insects. Many pick insects off branches or from holes in the wood. Other species look for insects on the undersides of leaves. Yet others wait on branches until they see a flying insect and catch it in the air. Many of these particular species inhabit the same areas, but these specializations alleviate competition.

Breeding

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The breeding season is March through June in temperate areas and in September through October in South America. Some species are territorial, while others build their nests closer together. Little information is available on tanager breeding behavior. Males show off their brightest feathers to potential mates and rival males. Some species' courtship rituals involve bowing and tail lifting.

Most tanagers build cup nests on branches in trees. Some nests are almost globular. Entrances are usually built on the side of the nest. The nests can be shallow or deep. The species of the tree in which they choose to build their nests and the nests' positions vary among genera. Most species nest in an area hidden by very dense vegetation. No information is yet known regarding the nests of some species.

The clutch size is three to five eggs. The female incubates the eggs and builds the nest, but the male may feed the female while she incubates. Both sexes feed the young. Five species have helpers assist in feeding the young. These helpers are thought to be the previous year's nestlings.

Taxonomy

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The family Thraupidae was introduced (as the subfamily Thraupinae) in 1847 by German ornithologist Jean Cabanis. The type genus is Thraupis.[5][6]

The family Thraupidae is a member of an assemblage of over 800 birds known as the New World, nine-primaried oscines. The traditional pre-molecular classification was largely based on the different feeding specializations. Nectar-feeders were placed in Coerebidae (honeycreepers), large-billed seed-eaters in Cardinalidae (cardinals and grosbeaks), smaller-billed seed-eaters in Emberizidae (New World finches and sparrows), ground-foraging insect-eaters in Icteridae (blackbirds) and fruit-eaters in Thraupidae.[1] This classification was known to be problematic as analyses using other morphological characteristics often produced conflicting phylogenies.[7] Beginning in the last decade of the 20th century, a series of molecular phylogenetic studies led to a complete reorganization of the traditional families. Thraupidae now includes large-billed seed eaters, thin-billed nectar feeders, and foliage gleaners as well as fruit-eaters.[1]

One consequence of redefining the family boundaries is that for many species their common names are no longer congruent with the families in which they are placed. As of July 2020 there are 39 species with "tanager" in the common name that are not placed in Thraupidae. These include the widely distributed scarlet tanager and western tanager, which are both now placed in Cardinalidae. There are also 106 species within Thraupidae that have "finch" in their common name.[8]

A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2014 revealed that many of the traditional genera were not monophyletic.[1] In the resulting reorganization six new genera were introduced, eleven genera were resurrected, and seven genera were abandoned.[9][8]

As of March 2025 the family contains 393 species which are divided into 15 subfamilies and 105 genera.[1][8] For a complete list, see the article List of tanager species.

List of genera

[edit]

Catamblyrhynchinae

[edit]

The plushcap has no close relatives and is now placed in its own subfamily. It was previously placed either in the subfamily Catamblyrhynchinae within the Emberizidae or in its own family Catamblyrhynchidae.[1]

Image Genus Species
Catamblyrhynchus Lafresnaye, 1842

Charitospizinae

[edit]

The coal-crested finch is endemic to the grasslands of Brazil and has no close relatives. It is unusual in that both sexes have a crest. It was formerly placed in Emberizidae.

Image Genus Species
Charitospiza Oberholser, 1905

Orchesticinae

[edit]

Two species with large thick bills. Parkerthraustes was formerly placed in Cardinalidae.

Image Genus Species
Orchesticus Cabanis, 1851
Parkerthraustes Remsen, 1997

Nemosiinae

[edit]

Brightly colored, sexually dichromatic birds. Most form single-species flocks.

Image Genus Species
Nemosia Vieillot, 1816
Cyanicterus Bonaparte, 1850
Sericossypha Lesson, 1844
Compsothraupis Richmond, 1915

Emberizoidinae

[edit]

Grassland dwelling birds that were formerly placed in Emberizidae.

Image Genus Species
Coryphaspiza G.R. Gray, 1840
Embernagra Lesson, 1831
Emberizoides Temminck, 1822

Porphyrospizinae

[edit]

Yellow billed birds. The blue finch (Rhopospina caerulescens) was formerly placed in Cardinalidae; the other species were formerly placed in Emberizidae.

Image Genus Species
Incaspiza Ridgway, 1898
Rhopospina Cabanis, 1851

Hemithraupinae

[edit]

These species are sexually dichromatic and many have yellow and black plumage. Except for Heterospingus, they have slender bills.

Image Genus Species
Chlorophanes Reichenbach, 1853
Iridophanes Ridgway, 1901
Chrysothlypis Berlepsch, 1912
Heterospingus Ridgway, 1898
Hemithraupis Cabanis, 1850

Dacninae

[edit]

Sexually dichromatic species—males have blue plumage and females are green.

Image Genus Species
Tersina Vieillot, 1819
Cyanerpes Oberholser, 1899
Dacnis Cuvier, 1816

Saltatorinae

[edit]

Mainly arboreal with long tails and thick bills. Formerly placed in Cardinalidae.

Image Genus Species
Saltatricula Burmeister, 1861
Saltator Vieillot, 1816

Coerebinae

[edit]
Diversity of Darwin's finches

This subfamily includes Darwin's finches, of which all but the Cocos finch are endemic to the Galápagos Islands. Most Coerebinae species were formerly placed in Emberizidae; the exceptions are the bananaquit that was placed in Parulidae and the orangequit that was placed in Thraupidae. These species build domed or covered nests with side entrances. They have evolved a variety of foraging techniques, including nectar-feeding (Coereba, Euneornis), seed-eating (Geospiza, Loxigilla, Tiaris), and insect gleaning (Certhidea).[1]

Image Genus Species
Coereba Vieillot, 1809
Tiaris Swainson, 1827
Euneornis Fitzinger, 1856
Melopyrrha Bonaparte, 1853
Loxipasser Bryant, 1866
Phonipara Bonaparte, 1850
Loxigilla Lesson, 1831
Melanospiza Ridgway, 1897
Asemospiza Burns, Unitt, & Mason, 2016
Darwin's finches:
Certhidea Gould, 1837
Platyspiza Ridgway, 1897
Pinaroloxias Sharpe, 1885
Camarhynchus Gould, 1837
Geospiza Gould, 1837

Tachyphoninae

[edit]

Most of these are lowland species. Many have ornamental features such as crests, and many have sexually dichromatic plumage.[1]

Image Genus Species
Volatinia Reichenbach, 1850
Conothraupis Sclater, PL, 1880
Creurgops Sclater, PL, 1858
Eucometis Sclater, PL, 1856
Trichothraupis Cabanis, 1851
Heliothraupis Lane et al., 2021
Loriotus Jarocki, 1821
Coryphospingus Cabanis, 1851
Tachyphonus Vieillot, 1816
Rhodospingus Sharpe, 1888
Lanio Vieillot, 1816
Ramphocelus Desmarest, 1805

Sporophilinae

[edit]

These species were formerly placed in Emberizidae.

Image Genus Species
Sporophila Cabanis, 1844
Seedeaters and seed finches (includes species previously assigned to Dolospingus and Oryzoborus) 41 species:

Poospizinae

[edit]

Some of these species were formerly placed in Emberizidae.

Image Genus Species
Piezorina Lafresnaye, 1843
Xenospingus Cabanis, 1867
Cnemoscopus Bangs & Penard, 1919
Pseudospingus Berlepsch & Stolzmann, 1896
Poospiza Cabanis, 1847
Kleinothraupis Burns, Unitt, & Mason, 2016
Sphenopsis Sclater, 1862
Thlypopsis Cabanis, 1851
Castanozoster Burns, Unitt, & Mason, 2016
Donacospiza Cabanis, 1851
Cypsnagra Lesson, R, 1831
Poospizopsis Berlepsch, 1893
Urothraupis Taczanowski & Berlepsch, 1885
Nephelornis Lowery & Tallman, 1976
Microspingus Taczanowski, 1874

Diglossinae

[edit]

This is a morphologically diverse group that includes seed-eaters (Nesospiza, Sicalis, Catamenia, Haplospiza), arthropod feeders (Conirostrum), a bamboo specialist (Acanthidops), an aphid feeder (Xenodacnis), and boulder field specialists (Idiopsar). Many species live at high altitudes. Conirostrum was previously placed in Parulidae, Diglossa was placed in Thraupidae, and the remaining genera were placed in Emberizidae.[1]

Image Genus Species
Conirostrum d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1838
Sicalis F. Boie, 1828
13 species
Phrygilus Cabanis, 1844
Nesospiza Cabanis, 1873
Rowettia Lowe, 1923
Melanodera Bonaparte, 1850
Geospizopsis Bonaparte, 1856
Haplospiza Cabanis, 1851
Acanthidops Ridgway, 1882
Xenodacnis Cabanis, 1873
Idiopsar Cassin, 1867
Catamenia Bonaparte, 1850
Diglossa Wagler, 1832
18 species

Thraupinae

[edit]

Typical tanagers.

Image Genus Species
Calochaetes Sclater, PL, 1879
Iridosornis Lesson, 1844
Rauenia Wolters, 1980
Pipraeidea Swainson, 1827
Pseudosaltator K.J. Burns, Unitt & N.A. Mason, 2016
Dubusia Bonaparte, 1850
Buthraupis Cabanis, 1851
Sporathraupis Ridgway, 1898
Tephrophilus R. T. Moore, 1934
Chlorornis Reichenbach, 1850
Cnemathraupis Penard, 1919
Anisognathus Reichenbach, 1850
Chlorochrysa Bonaparte, 1851
Wetmorethraupis Lowery & O'Neill, 1964
Bangsia Penard, 1919
Lophospingus Cabanis, 1878
Neothraupis Hellmayr, 1936
Diuca Reichenbach, 1850
Gubernatrix Lesson, 1837
Stephanophorus Strickland, 1841
Cissopis Vieillot, 1816
Schistochlamys Reichenbach, 1850
Paroaria Bonaparte, 1832
Ixothraupis Bonaparte, 1851
Chalcothraupis Bonaparte, 1851
Poecilostreptus Burns, KJ, Unitt, & Mason, NA, 2016
Thraupis F. Boie, 1826
Stilpnia Burns, KJ, Unitt, & Mason, NA, 2016
15 species
Tangara Brisson, 1760
28 species

Genera formerly placed in Thraupidae

[edit]

Passerellidae – New World sparrows[10]

Cardinalidae – cardinals[11][7]

Fringillidae – subfamily Euphoniinae

Phaenicophilidae – Hispaniolan tanagers[10][12]

Mitrospingidae – Mitrospingid tanagers[10]

Nesospingidae

Spindalidae

Calyptophilidae

Rhodinocichlidae

References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tanagers are a large and diverse of Neotropical birds in the Thraupidae, encompassing 391 that represent about 4% of all avian worldwide (as of October 2025). Recent taxonomic updates, including splits such as the Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager into three and Black-faced Dacnis into Yellow-tufted and Black-faced Dacnises, have contributed to this count. Predominantly distributed across the , with the greatest diversity in South and , tanagers are small to medium-sized songbirds renowned for their striking, multicolored —often featuring vibrant hues of red, yellow, blue, and green—that aids in , displays, and species recognition. They inhabit a broad range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, montane forests, savannas, and even urban gardens, adapting to elevations from to over 4,000 meters. Tanagers exhibit varied behaviors, with most feeding primarily on fruits, berries, and , though some specialize in or ; many form mixed- flocks for and efficient . Notably, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have reclassified several North American species traditionally called tanagers—such as the (Piranga olivacea), (Piranga rubra), and (Piranga ludoviciana)—into the related family , based on genetic similarities to cardinals and grosbeaks. Despite their abundance, many tanager species face threats from , , and trapping for the pet trade, with conservation efforts focusing on protecting Neotropical forests and migration routes.

Taxonomy and systematics

Etymology and nomenclature

The name "tanager" originates from the Old Tupi word tangara, referring to a small, colorful , which was borrowed into as tangará and entered European in the mid-18th century. first applied it formally in 1766 to the (Piranga olivacea), describing the species as Tanagra olivacea in the 12th edition of , based on specimens from . The genus name Piranga itself derives from Tupi tijepiranga, denoting an unidentified small , highlighting the influence of Indigenous Brazilian languages on ornithological for Neotropical species. The family name Thraupidae stems from the type genus Thraupis, which is based on the Ancient Greek term thraupis (θραυπίς), used by Aristotle to describe an unidentified small bird, possibly a finch-like species. This classical root was adopted in the early 19th century as ornithologists formalized passerine families, with Thraupidae established to encompass the diverse New World tanagers. Nomenclature for tanagers has evolved significantly since the 19th century, reflecting advances in comparative anatomy and systematics. For instance, the genus Piranga—encompassing North American species like the scarlet tanager—was initially placed within the broad family Emberizidae (then including many finch-like birds) by early classifiers such as Georges Cuvier and William Swainson, before being segregated into Thraupidae and, more recently, transferred to Cardinalidae based on molecular and morphological evidence. Common names within the family often evoke plumage characteristics, such as "honeycreeper" for vibrant genera like Cyanerpes, which are small tanagers in Thraupidae specialized for nectar-feeding but phylogenetically unrelated to the Old World honeyeaters of Meliphagidae.

Phylogenetic position

The family Thraupidae belongs to the superfamily within the clade of oscine passerines, representing the second-largest family among the nine-primaried songbirds with 392 species. Phylogenetic analyses place Thraupidae as sister to , with Emberizidae sister to this combined clade, a relationship supported by multi-locus molecular data encompassing nuclear and mitochondrial markers across Passeriformes. Key molecular studies have solidified the monophyly of Thraupidae and refined its internal structure. Barker et al. (2013) first delineated a monophyletic Thraupidae using genus-level sampling and six genetic loci, excluding several taxa previously included based on morphology. This was expanded in Burns et al. (2014), which provided the first comprehensive species-level phylogeny sampling 353 of 371 recognized tanager species, identifying 13 major clades and confirming Thraupidae's diversification as the largest radiation of Neotropical songbirds. Recent updates have incorporated newly described species into established clades, enhancing resolution within Thraupidae. For instance, Lane et al. (2021) described Heliothraupis oneilli, a new genus and species from the Andean foothills, with phylogenetic analysis embedding it within the Ramphocelus clade alongside genera such as Coryphospingus and Tachyphonus. Historical classifications of Thraupidae included several groups now recognized as distinct, reflecting advances in molecular systematics. (genera Geospiza, Camarhynchus, and Certhidea), once placed in Emberizidae or as a separate subfamily within Thraupidae, are now firmly integrated into Thraupidae as the subfamily Coerebinae per the IOC World Bird List v15.1 (2025). Further refinements address paraphyly in related taxa previously associated with Thraupidae. The 2024 IOC World Bird List update introduced the genus Driophlox for four ant-tanager species formerly in Habia (now in ), resolving paraphyly by separating them from the core Thraupidae radiation based on updated phylogenies.

Subfamilies and genera

The classification of the Thraupidae family into subfamilies is based on a comprehensive molecular phylogeny that identified 15 distinct clades supported by strong statistical evidence, as detailed in Burns et al. (2014). This framework expanded the family to include taxa previously classified in other groups, such as certain finches and honeycreepers, totaling approximately 371 at the time. Subsequent studies have transferred several taxa, including the genus Piranga and ant-tanagers (formerly Habia, now partly Driophlox), to the family , reducing the species count. A subsequent genus-level revision by Burns et al. (2016) recognized 111 genera across these subfamilies, addressing widespread polyphyly in traditional groupings by proposing 11 new genera and reassigning to better reflect monophyletic lineages. The current IOC World Bird List v15.1 (2025) recognizes 107 genera and 392 , incorporating new discoveries, splits, and the aforementioned reclassifications. For instance, Lane et al. (2021) described the monotypic genus Heliothraupis for the Inti Tanager (H. oneilli), a vibrant species from the Andean foothills of southeastern and western , placing it within Thraupinae based on phylogenetic analyses. Resolutions to polyphyly have been particularly notable in former broad genera; for example, the traditional Thraupis (including the Blue-and-yellow Tanager) was split, with species reassigned to genera such as Pipraeidea, Thraupis (restricted), and others to ensure , as recommended in Burns et al. (). Similarly, emberizoid-like taxa were consolidated into Emberizoidinae, distinguishing them from true emberizids in Passerellidae. The subfamilies vary greatly in size and composition, from monotypic groups to large radiations encompassing diverse feeding guilds. The following table summarizes the 15 subfamilies, highlighting key genera (with representative examples where subfamilies include many) and approximate species counts derived from the 2014 phylogeny and subsequent updates adjusted for major reclassifications such as the transfer of ant-tanagers to ; the current total is 392 per IOC World Bird List v15.1 (2025).
SubfamilyKey Genera (Examples)Approximate Species Count
CatamblyrhynchinaeCatamblyrhynchus (plushcap tanager)1
CharitospizinaeCharitospiza (siskin-like tanager)1
OrchesticinaeOrchesticus, Parkerthraustes (grosbeak-tanagers)2
NemosiinaeNemosia, Cyanicterus, Sericossypha, Compsothraupis5
EmberizoidinaeEmberizoides, Embernagra, Coryphaspiza (longspurs and grass-tanagers)6
PorphyrospizinaePorphyrospiza, Incaspiza, Phrygilus (inca finches)9
HemithraupinaeHemithraupis, Heterospingus, Chlorophanes (honey-tanagers and allies)9
DacninaeDacnis, Cyanerpes, Tersina (honeycreepers)14
SaltatorinaeSaltator (including former Saltatricula; saltators and grosbeaks)16
CoerebinaeCoereba (), Geospiza, Certhidea ( and allies; 12 genera total)29
TachyphoninaeTachyphonus, Ramphocelus, Eucometis (caciques and allies; 10 genera total)26
SporophilinaeSporophila, Oryzoborus, Dolospingus (grass-finches and seedeaters)39
PoospizinaePoospiza, Hemispingus, Thlypopsis (bush-tanagers and allies; 12 genera total)44
DiglossinaeDiglossa, Conirostrum, Sicalis (flowerpiercers, conebills, and yellow-finches; 14 genera total)64
ThraupinaeTangara (mountain-tanagers), Thraupis (restricted; palm-tanagers); 22 genera total, including new Heliothraupis)102

Physical description

Morphology and size

Tanagers in the family are small to medium-sized birds, typically measuring 10 to 20 cm in length and weighing between 7 and 60 g, though extremes range from the diminutive white-eared conebill (Conirostrum leucogenys) at about 9 cm long and 7 g to the elongated magpie tanager (Cissopis leverianus) at 25–30 cm long and 69–76 g, or the heaviest white-capped tanager (Sericossypha albocristata) at around 24 cm and 114 g. Shared morphological traits include short, rounded wings suited for maneuverability in dense environments and robust bills that vary widely in , from conical and finch-like in seed-eating species to slender and decurved in nectar-feeding members of the Dacninae. Strong legs adapted for perching support their primarily arboreal , enabling them to forage among branches and foliage. Sexual dimorphism is prevalent, with males often exhibiting more vibrant than females, though some in the Thraupinae display monomorphic coloration where both sexes are similarly dull. variation, including these dimorphic patterns, is closely tied to underlying morphological structures like feather arrangement, but detailed coloration is addressed elsewhere.

Plumage variation

Tanagers (family Thraupidae) exhibit remarkable diversity, with males of many displaying vibrant hues such as iridescent blues, reds, and yellows that serve as key identifiers within the family. These bright colors arise primarily from a combination of pigments and mechanisms in the feathers. Structural elements, including oblong feather barbs and dihedral barbules, enhance color saturation and create effects like or "" appearances by manipulating light through and absorption; for instance, male tanagers often have wider barbs compared to females, amplifying signals. Plumage variation is pronounced between sexes and age classes, with males typically showing more saturated and contrasting colors than females, a pattern driven by differences in feather microstructures rather than pigments alone. Females often exhibit duller versions of these hues, such as pale yellows or olive tones, due to simpler cylindrical barbules that reduce brightness. Juveniles across species display cryptic brown or olive-streaked plumage, providing camouflage during early development. Some species undergo seasonal plumage shifts, where breeding males molt from bright to yellow-green non-breeding plumage in fall. Subfamily-specific patterns further highlight tanager plumage diversity. Species in the genus Tangara, such as the speckled tanager (Ixothraupis guttata, formerly placed in Tangara), feature greenish upperparts with white underparts densely marked by black spots or chevrons, creating a speckled appearance that varies slightly by sex and age. In contrast, genera like Sporophila (seedeaters) often display stark black-and-white contrasts, as seen in the black-and-white seedeater (Sporophila luctuosa), where males have bold black crowns, wings, and tails against white underparts. The paradise tanager (Tangara paradisea) exemplifies complex patterning through its multicolored —combining black, blue, green, red, and yellow patches—which may involve of other flock species to facilitate social integration in mixed groups. Molting processes underpin these variations, with most tanagers undergoing a single annual pre-basic molt after breeding to replace worn feathers and acquire fresh . This complete molt typically occurs in the non-breeding season, restoring bright colors for the subsequent breeding period. Some exhibit delayed plumage maturation, where young males retain subadult for one or more cycles before achieving full definitive coloration; for instance, in Sporophila seedeaters like the lined seedeater (Sporophila lineola), males attain adult during their second pre-basic molt, allowing gradual development of black-and-white patterns.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

Tanagers, belonging to the family Thraupidae, are predominantly distributed across the Neotropical region, extending from southward to at the southern tip of , with the vast majority of their approximately 384 species occurring in . Over 300 species are found in Central and South America combined, representing a significant portion of the region's avian diversity. While the core range is Neotropical, Thraupidae species occur in primarily as vagrants or established introduced populations, such as the (Sicalis flaveola) breeding in southern , with no native breeding populations north of . occasionally appear outside the Americas, though records are rare. is particularly concentrated in biodiversity hotspots like the , where about 30% of tanager species occur, and alone hosts more than 50 species, many restricted to montane regions such as the multicolored tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima) in the Western and Central . The Atlantic Forest of is another key area of , supporting species like the critically endangered cherry-throated tanager (Nemosia rourei), confined to small montane patches. Islands such as Trinidad feature unique subspecies forms, including those of the (Thraupis episcopus). Historical distribution patterns reflect post-Pleistocene expansions, with older lineages primarily along the and Brazil's coastal regions, though no widespread recent contractions have occurred beyond localized extinctions in fragmented .

Habitat preferences

Tanagers, as a (Thraupidae), exhibit a broad range of habitat preferences across the Neotropics, with the majority of favoring forested environments, particularly humid tropical and subtropical forests. Predominantly, these birds occupy lowland rainforests, montane cloud forests, and associated woodland edges, where genera such as Tangara are commonly found in the upper canopy layers of dense, humid vegetation, foraging among epiphytes and fruiting trees. Altitudinal variation is notable within the family, spanning from in lowland Amazonian forests to high-elevation Andean s exceeding 3,000 m. For instance, species in the genus Buthraupis, such as the hooded mountain-tanager (Buthraupis montana), prefer montane cloud forests and elfin woodlands at elevations between 2,200 and 3,500 m, while others like certain Saltator species inhabit drier savannas and scrublands. A smaller subset utilizes coastal s and riverine forests, including the hooded tanager (Nemosia pileata) in gallery and settings. Microhabitat use often involves in fruiting trees for frugivores or concentrating in flowering zones for nectar-feeding species, enhancing their access to resources in stratified forest layers. Many tanager species demonstrate adaptability to disturbed environments, thriving in , forest edges, and fragmented landscapes—exemplified by edge-tolerant genera like Thraupis in regrowth areas—yet they generally avoid highly urbanized zones, preferring semi-natural or rural settings with vegetative cover.

Behavior and ecology

Social behavior

Tanagers exhibit varied tendencies across the family Thraupidae, with many , particularly in the genus Tangara, commonly forming or joining mixed- flocks that provide anti-predator benefits through increased vigilance and predator dilution. These flocks often consist of 20-50 birds in Neotropical forests, where multiple Tangara contribute to group cohesion and efficiency while reducing individual predation risk. In contrast, genera like Euphonia tend toward smaller, more solitary or pair-based groups, rarely participating in large mixed flocks and instead maintaining loose associations of 4-10 individuals for localized activities. Territoriality in tanagers is typically seasonal and pronounced during breeding, with males defending patches of or leks through and aggressive displays to secure resources and mates. In monogamous , which comprise the majority of the , strong pair bonds form, often persisting beyond the breeding season and involving coordinated defense of shared territories. Helpers in cooperative like the White-banded Tanager (Neothraupis fasciata) assist in territorial defense, enhancing group protection against intruders. Tanagers are diurnal birds, active primarily during daylight hours for most behaviors, though some exhibit crepuscular at dawn and dusk to communicate or group cohesion. They roost communally in dense foliage at night, selecting sheltered sites in the canopy or to minimize exposure to predators. Interspecific interactions among tanagers include vocal , where some imitate the calls of other birds to facilitate group signaling or deception in mixed flocks. Occasional hybridizations occur, particularly between closely related Ramphocelus such as the Flame-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus) , resulting in stable hybrid zones driven by ecological overlap and over millennia.

Diet and foraging

Tanagers (family Thraupidae) exhibit an omnivorous diet, with frugivory predominant across approximately 60% of , supplemented by arthropods, , and depending on the . Fruits from trees and shrubs, such as berries of and Myrcia , form the core of their intake, comprising up to 61% of observed events in some Neotropical communities. Arthropods, including like beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, account for 20–70% of the diet in various genera, often obtained through active searching. consumption is less common but notable in certain subfamilies, while are a primary resource for granivorous groups. Foraging techniques vary by food type and microhabitat, emphasizing efficiency in diverse forest strata. For fruits, tanagers commonly glean items while perched, reach downward from branches, or hang upside down to access clusters, with hovering occasionally used to peck at distant resources. Arthropod foraging involves foliage gleaning on leaves and branches (over 65% of events in some studies), sally strikes into the air for flying insects, or probing moss and epiphytes along limbs. Ground probing occurs in seed-specialized taxa like those in Poospizinae, where individuals sift through leaf litter or grass. Some mixed-species flocks display cooperative defense of fruiting trees, with vocalizations and displays deterring competitors to maintain access. Bill morphology, such as stout conical shapes in seed-eaters or curved forms in nectar-feeders, facilitates these methods without compromising generalist capabilities. Dietary composition shifts seasonally to meet nutritional demands, with increased insectivory during breeding periods to provide protein for production and nestling growth. Neotropical residents similarly emphasize protein-rich arthropods during reproduction, while dry periods may heighten or dependence for hydration and energy. These adjustments underscore the family's adaptability to fluctuating resources. Subfamily specializations reflect evolutionary adaptations to specific resources, enhancing niche partitioning. In Coerebinae (honeycreepers, including bananaquits), species like Coereba flaveola consume up to 76% nectar using brush-tipped tongues for capillary action, though they are not true pollinators and supplement with fruits and insects from diverse flowers. Dacninae taxa, such as Dacnis and Cyanerpes, feature tubular tongues and curved bills suited for nectar extraction from tubular corollas (12–29% of diet), alongside fruits and arthropods gleaned from foliage. Sporophilinae, encompassing seedeaters like Sporophila, specialize in grass and bamboo seeds via conical bills for husking, with granivory comprising the majority of intake and minimal frugivory or insectivory. These traits highlight how dietary convergence and divergence drive Thraupidae diversity.

Reproduction

Tanagers primarily exhibit monogamous breeding systems, with pairs forming bonds for the duration of the breeding season and providing biparental care to . In some genera, such as Ramphocelus, rare instances of have been documented, where a single male mates with multiple females. Clutch sizes typically range from 2 to 4 eggs, though this varies by and region. Nests are predominantly open and cup-shaped, constructed by the female from dry grass, moss, rootlets, and other plant fibers, and placed in trees or shrubs 2 to 10 meters above ground. These nests are often woven into forks or supported by branches for stability. Cavity nesting is uncommon within the family but occurs in certain Euphonia species, which may repurpose natural tree holes or old woodpecker cavities for domed nests with side entrances. Incubation duties are handled solely by the female and last 12 to 14 days in most species. Following hatching, both parents feed the altricial nestlings, which remain in the nest for 11 to 15 days before fledging; fledglings achieve independence approximately 2 to 3 weeks later. Breeding in tropical tanager populations often aligns with the rainy season, from November to March in some regions, to coincide with peaks in insect and fruit availability that support nestling growth. Certain habitat-edge species face by cowbirds such as the (Molothrus ater) or (Molothrus bonariensis), which can reduce nesting success by laying eggs in host nests.

Conservation status

Major threats

Habitat loss represents the most significant threat to tanager populations worldwide, primarily driven by and agricultural expansion in their Neotropical ranges. In the , approximately 20% of the original forest cover has been lost since the , severely impacting endemic in the genus Tangara, such as the paradise tanager (Tangara chilensis), which relies on contiguous forest habitats for survival. In the Andean regions, expanding has fragmented high-elevation forests, threatening like the masked mountain-tanager (Buthraupis cucullata) by reducing available breeding and areas. Climate change exacerbates these pressures through altitudinal range shifts and disruptions to ecological interactions. High-elevation tanagers, including the hooded mountain-tanager (Buthraupis montana), are experiencing habitat loss as warming temperatures force upward migrations, compressing their ranges against montane summits with limited suitable area. Additionally, altered fruiting cycles due to changing precipitation and temperature patterns mismatch the timing of fruit availability with the frugivorous diets of many tanager , potentially reducing . Other anthropogenic threats include illegal trapping for the pet trade, pesticide use, and competition. Colorful species like the (Cyanerpes cyaneus) are heavily targeted for the international pet market, leading to population declines in accessible lowland forests. Pesticides applied in agricultural areas diminish insect prey populations, affecting insectivorous and omnivorous tanagers that depend on arthropods during breeding seasons. On islands, invasive birds such as the shining cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) compete with and parasitize island-endemic tanagers, further stressing small populations. According to the , approximately 16% of the 384 tanager species (61 total) are threatened with extinction as of 2024, including 5 critically endangered species such as the cherry-throated tanager (Nemosia rourei), whose is estimated at 20 or fewer mature individuals confined to fragmented remnants as of 2025.

Protected species and efforts

Several protected areas in the Neotropics play a crucial role in safeguarding tanager populations, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. in encompasses over 1 million hectares of Amazonian , providing essential for numerous Amazonian tanager , including the paradise tanager (Tangara chilensis) and speckled tanager (Ixothraupis guttata), through community-led preservation efforts by indigenous groups like the Kichwa Añangu. In Brazil's , reserves such as those managed under the National Action Plan for Conservation of Birds protect endemic like the critically endangered cherry-throated tanager (Nemosia rourei) and the vulnerable black-backed tanager (Tangara peruviana), where fragmented forests are maintained to support small, isolated populations. Conservation initiatives targeting tanagers emphasize international collaboration and habitat restoration. BirdLife International's Preventing Extinctions Programme has supported recovery actions for over 25 critically endangered bird species since 2000, including targeted monitoring and habitat protection for tanagers like the seven-colored tanager (Tangara fastuosa) through expanded restoration in Brazil's . The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species () regulates trade in vulnerable tanager genera, with species like the large-billed seed-finch (Sporophila crassirostris) listed under Appendix II to curb illegal pet trade, and ongoing proposals for additional Sporophila species such as the great-billed seed-finch (Sporophila maximiliani) discussed at CoP20 in 2025. projects further aid frugivorous tanagers by enhancing and carbon storage in regenerating tropical forests, as demonstrated in studies from and where bird-mediated restoration increased forest recovery by up to 38%. Notable success stories highlight the effectiveness of targeted interventions. The (Gubernatrix cristata), recently reclassified within Thraupidae, has benefited from captive-breeding programs in and , where confiscated individuals from the illegal trade have produced offspring for reintroduction and translocation efforts, including three releases in 2023 that bolster wild populations. Monitoring via platforms like eBird has enabled contributions to track tanager distributions and population trends, supporting adaptive management in regions like the Atlantic Forest and Amazon. Despite these advances, research gaps persist in tanager conservation. Updated phylogenetic analyses are needed to refine ex-situ breeding strategies, as current trees reveal ongoing uncertainties in evolutionary relationships within Thraupidae, potentially affecting prioritization of distinct lineages for protection. Community-based ecotourism in hotspots, such as Audubon's Central Andes Birding Trail in Colombia, promotes sustainable income while conserving habitats for species like the multicolored tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima), though broader implementation is required to address funding and local engagement challenges.

References

  1. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tanager
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