tanagers

Tanagers are a diverse group of small to medium-sized passerine birds found primarily in the Americas. In current classification, most tanagers belong to the family Thraupidae, though the common name has also been applied to species in other groups, notably the Piranga tanagers that are now placed in the Cardinalidae. They are especially numerous in tropical Central and South America, with several species breeding in temperate North America during the summer.

Description: Tanagers vary in size from about 9 to 18 cm. Males are often brightly colored, with red, yellow, blue, or green plumage, while females are usually more subdued. They have short, stout bills suited for gleaning insects and fruit.

Diet and behavior: They feed mainly on insects, fruit, and occasionally nectar. They are active, agile foragers that often move through the canopy or shrub layer, sometimes joining mixed-species feeding flocks. Many northern species migrate to tropical habitats in winter.

Breeding: Birds form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in trees or shrubs. The female incubates the eggs, and both parents feed the nestlings.

Conservation: Most tanager species are currently listed as of least concern, though several have declining populations due to habitat loss and fragmentation, especially in tropical forests. Some local populations are isolated or threatened.

Notable species: The scarlet tanager, western tanager, and blue-gray tanager are among the better-known members of the group.