Tersina

Tersina is a genus of three species of birds in the family Thraupidae. These birds are found in South America, inhabiting the Amazon basin and surrounding regions. Their diet consists mainly of insects, which they catch on the wing, though they also consume fruit.

The three species are the red-backed tanager (Tersina viridis), the blue-gray tanager (Tersina cyanea), and the white-throated tanager (Tersina albigularis). The red-backed tanager is the most widespread, with a range extending across much of the Amazon. It is characterized by its vibrant green plumage and the striking red patch on its back. The blue-gray tanager, as its name suggests, is predominantly blue-gray in color and is found in the eastern Amazon. The white-throated tanager is the smallest of the three and is distinguished by its white throat patch, inhabiting the western Amazon.

Tersina birds are typically found in clearings, forest edges, and gardens. They are often observed in pairs or small family groups. Their nesting habits are not extensively documented, but they are believed to build cup-shaped nests in trees. The conservation status of Tersina species varies, with the red-backed tanager listed as least concern, while the blue-gray and white-throated tanagers are not yet assessed.