Hepatic Tanager

The Hepatic Tanager, Piranga flava, is a medium-sized songbird of vibrant plumage, belonging to the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. The term 'hepatic' refers to its liver-colored, brownish-red hue, while 'flava' denotes a yellow or golden aspect in Latin. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism; males are adorned in a striking red, with the brightest coloration on their forehead and throat, while females are cloaked in a more subdued yellow. Both sexes have gray flanks, dusky cheeks, and a distinctive dark eye streak. They are robust with a relatively short tail and stout bill, weighing an average of 38 grams, with a wingspan of approximately 31.8 cm and a length of 20.3 cm.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Hepatic Tanager, look for the characteristic red or yellow plumage, gray sides, and the dark line through the eye. The stout bill and short tail are also key features that distinguish it from other tanagers.

Habitat

The Hepatic Tanager can be found in a variety of wooded habitats, ranging from pine and pine-oak forests in the northern part of its range to highland forest edges and open woods in South America.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, extending 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 similarities with the Western Tanager. It forages methodically through tree foliage, employing different strategies to find food. This bird is known to be partially migratory, with some populations moving seasonally.

Song & calls

The Hepatic Tanager's vocal repertoire includes a low, dry "chup" reminiscent of the Hermit Thrush. Its song is more akin to that of the Black-headed Grosbeak, clear and melodious, reflecting its cardinal family ties. The flight call is described as a husky, ascending "weet."

Diet and Feeding

During the summer months, the northern populations primarily consume insects, spiders, and some fruit. In Mexico, they have been observed partaking in nectar, and further south, they are known to follow swarms of army ants, indicating a diverse and opportunistic diet.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Hepatic Tanager as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels warranting a higher conservation status.