Red tanagers are a type of songbird found in the Americas. Their brilliant red plumage makes them stand out against green forest canopies. But just how rare are these tropical beauties? Let’s take a closer look at the red tanager and examine if they deserve their reputation as an elusive species.
Quick Facts About Red Tanagers
Here are some key facts about red tanagers:
- Scientific name: Piranga rubra
- Size: 6 to 7 inches long
- Weight: 0.5 to 0.9 ounces
- Wingspan: 10 to 11 inches
- Plumage: Vibrant red body and black wings
- Diet: Insects, fruit
- Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests
- Range: Southern Mexico to Bolivia
- Migratory patterns: Partially migratory
- Conservation status: Least concern
Appearance and Behavior
The brilliant crimson plumage of the male red tanager makes it instantly recognizable. Females also display red plumage, though slightly duller in color. Both sexes have jet black wings that contrast sharply with the red. The wings feature two distinct white wing bars.
Red tanagers have a thin pointed bill suited for eating insects and fruit. Their tails are moderately long and notched at the tip. Legs and feet are grayish-black.
These social songbirds usually travel and forage in small flocks. They are active and agile, flitting through high forest canopies while hunting for food. Red tanagers use their bills to pluck insects off leaves or capture them in midair. They also feast on fruit and nectar.
Vocalizations include melodious chirps, whistles and buzzy trills. Calls help maintain contact with their flock. Songs are used to attract mates and defend territory.
Breeding and Nesting
In tropical regions red tanagers breed from March to June. Further north they nest later in summer. Courtship displays involve the male pursuing the female while vocalizing and showing off his colorful plumage.
The nest is a compact cup built by the female, traditionally on a horizontal tree branch around 6 to 15 feet high. Nests are constructed from twigs, grass, moss and fibers, then lined with soft materials like hair or feathers.
Clutch size is two to four eggs which are pale blue with brown speckles. Incubation lasts 14 days and hatchlings fledge from the nest about two weeks after hatching. The female handles most parental care duties.
Range and Distribution
Red tanagers breed across southern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, northern South America and southern Florida. Their range extends through the following countries and regions:
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Belize
- Honduras
- El Salvador
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Cuba
- Jamaica
- Hispaniola
- Puerto Rico
- Venezuela
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Bolivia
- Brazilian Amazon
- Southern Florida
Northern populations migrate south for winter while some southern groups are year-round residents. Tanagers are found in tropical evergreen forests, second growth woodland, plantations and parks.
Population and Conservation Status
The red tanager has an extremely large range and populations are considered stable. The IUCN Red List classifies them as Least Concern. Their numbers today are estimated between 10 to 100 million birds. Density averages 50 to 60 pairs per 100 hectares in prime habitat. Threats include habitat loss and trapping for the caged bird trade.
Rarity Rankings
The red tanager’s rarity rankings on birding life lists are:
- ABA Life List: Not ranked, considered a regular species
- AOS Life List: Not ranked, regular species
- eBird Global Rarity Rank: #289 out of 10,234 (common species)
Based on their extensive range across Central and South America, stable populations, and lack of rarity rankings, red tanagers cannot be considered a rare bird species.
Seeing Red Tanagers in the Wild
While not rare or endangered, seeing a fiery red tanager in its natural habitat is still a special treat. Here are some top places birders can spot them:
- La Selva Biological Reserve, Costa Rica
- Yacambu National Park, Venezuela
- Santa Marta Mountains, Colombia
- Amazonian rainforests of Ecuador and Peru
- Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Guanacaste National Park, Costa Rica
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize
- Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
The best time to see red tanagers is during the breeding season when their bright plumage is most visible. Hiring a local birding guide will greatly increase chances of sightings since they know the hiding spots of these charismatic songbirds.
Conclusion
In summary, the red tanager is not considered a rare or threatened species. They have a large distribution across Central and South America. Stable population numbers in the tens of millions further indicate red tanagers are common in appropriate habitat. However, their dazzling beauty still makes observing them a memorable highlight for many birdwatchers and nature lovers.
