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Tanager

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There are 240 species of Tanagers in the bird family Thraupidae. Thraupidae belongs to the order Passeriformes.

Euphonias and chlorophonias were once considered part of the tanager family, but they are now treated as members of Fringillidae, in their own subfamily (Euphoniinae).

Contents

Size and Appearance

They are small-bodied birds. The smallest, the Short-billed Honeycreeper, is 9 cm long and weighs 9 grams. The longest, the Magpie tanager is 26 cm. The heaviest is the White-capped Tanager which weighs 114 grams. Both sexes are usually the same size and weight. Tanagers are known for being brightly colored. Some species are black and white. Birds in their first year are often more dull in color or a different color altogether.Males are more brightly coloured than females. The two sexes are usually the same size. Most have short, rounded wings. The shape of the bill seems to be linked to the species' foraging habits.

Range and Geography

Tanagers are restricted to the New World tropics. About 60% of tanagers live in South America. About 30% of these species live in the Andes.Most species are endemic to a relatively small area. Only 18 species live in North America and Central America year round. Only 4 species are migratory, using North America as their breeding grounds. They are the Scarlet Tanager, Western Tanager, Hepatic Tanager and the Summer Tanager.Recent molecular evidence indicates these 4 migratory species may be more closely related to the family Emberizidae. No tanagers live in northern Alaska or northern Canada.

Social Behavior

Most tanagers live in pairs or in small groups of 3-5 individuals. These groups may consist simply of parents and their offspring. Birds may also be seen in single species or mixed flocks. Tanagers are thought to have dull songs. Some are very elaborate.

Diet and Foraging Strategy

Thraupidae is omnivorous. Diet of tanagers varies from genus to genus. Have been seen eating fruits, seeds, nectar, flower parts and insects. Their foraging technique depends much on what they look for. Some strategies are very particular. Many pick insects of branches. Other species look for insects on the underside 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, these specializations aleviate competition.

Breeding and Reproduction

Breeding season begin in March through until June in temperate areas and in September through October in South America. Some species are territorial while others build their nests closer together. There is little information on tanager breeding behavior so it is difficult say if they are monogamous,or polygamous. Males are known to show off their brightest feathers to potential mates and rival males. Some species' courtship ritual involves bowing and tail lifting. Most 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 they choose to build their nest in and the nest's position varies among genera. Most species keep their nest an area hidden by very dense vegetation. There is still no information on the nests of 124 species. Clutch size is 3-5 eggs. Often have four eggs. The female incubates the eggs and takes charge in making the nest. 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 last-year's nestlings.

Species list

Family: Thraupidae
Brazilian Tanager (Ramphocelus bresilius)
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Brazilian Tanager (Ramphocelus bresilius)

References

External links

 

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