Red Tanager

The Hepatic Tanager, Piranga flava, is a medium-sized songbird of vibrant hues. This species, once thought to belong to the tanager family, now finds its place among the cardinals. With a plumage that echoes the warm tones of the cardinal family, the Hepatic Tanager is a sight to behold.

Identification Tips

Spotting a Hepatic Tanager is a delight, with males donning a resplendent red, most vivid on their forehead and throat, while females are adorned in a softer yellow. These birds are characterized by their larger, robust build compared to their Piranga cousins, a relatively short tail, and a stout bill. Look for the gray flanks, dusky cheeks, and the distinctive dark eye streak to identify them. They weigh an average of 38 grams, span about 31.8 cm across the wings, and measure 20.3 cm in length.

Habitat

The Hepatic Tanager is a versatile resident, from the pine and pine-oak forests of Nicaragua northward, to the highland forest edges and open woods of South America.

Distribution

This bird's range is extensive, stretching from the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of southern California and Colorado, all the way down to northern Argentina and Uruguay.

Behaviour

The Hepatic Tanager shares behavioral traits with the Western Tanager. It forages methodically through tree foliage, employing various strategies to find food. Its diet is diverse, consisting of insects, spiders, fruit, and in some regions, nectar. In certain areas, it is known to follow swarms of army ants. Despite its widespread presence, much of the northern population's behavior and life history remain enigmatic.

Song & Calls

The Hepatic Tanager's vocal repertoire includes a low, dry "chup" reminiscent of the Hermit Thrush and a song that is clearer than those of Thraupidae tanagers, bearing a closer resemblance to the Black-headed Grosbeak's melody. Its flight call is a husky, ascending "weet."

Diet and Feeding

In the summer months, the northern Hepatic Tanagers feast primarily on insects, spiders, and some fruit. Further south, in Mexico, they have been observed indulging in nectar, and from Oaxaca southward, they are known to follow the swarms of army ants for sustenance.

Conservation status

The Hepatic Tanager is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.