The
tanagers (sg. ) are a
familyIn biological classification, family is* a taxonomic rank. Other well-known ranks are life, domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, genus, and species, with family fitting between order and genus...
,
Thraupidae, of birds in the order Passeriformes. The family has an
AmericanThe Americas, or America, are lands in the Western hemisphere or New World, comprising the continents of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions. America may be ambiguous in English, as it is more commonly used to refer to the United States of America...
distribution.
There were traditionally about 240 species of tanagers, but the taxonomic treatment of this family's members is currently in a state of flux. As more of these birds are studied using modern molecular techniques it is expected that some genera may be relocated elsewhere.
The
tanagers (sg. ) are a
familyIn biological classification, family is* a taxonomic rank. Other well-known ranks are life, domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, genus, and species, with family fitting between order and genus...
,
Thraupidae, of birds in the order Passeriformes. The family has an
AmericanThe Americas, or America, are lands in the Western hemisphere or New World, comprising the continents of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions. America may be ambiguous in English, as it is more commonly used to refer to the United States of America...
distribution.
There were traditionally about 240 species of tanagers, but the taxonomic treatment of this family's members is currently in a state of flux. As more of these birds are studied using modern molecular techniques it is expected that some genera may be relocated elsewhere. Already the
EuphoniaEuphonias are members of the genus Euphonia, a group of Neotropical birds in the finch family. They share the subfamily Euphoniinae with the chlorophonias. Euphonia contains close to 27 species....
s and chlorophonias, which were once considered part of the tanager family, are now treated as members of Fringillidae, in their own subfamily (
EuphoniinaeEuphoniinae is a subfamily of finches endemic to the Neotropics. It contains two genera, Euphonia and Chlorophonia.-Species list:SUBFAMILY EUPHONIINAE*Genus Euphonia: the euphonias** Jamaican Euphonia, ** Plumbeous Euphonia, ...
). Likewise the genera
PirangaPiranga is a genus of birds long placed in the tanager family, but actually related to the Cardinalis cardinals.Similar in shape and habits to the true tanagers, their coloration betrays their actual relationships. They are essentially red, orange or yellow all over, except the tail and wings and...
(which includes the
Scarlet TanagerThe Scarlet Tanager is a medium-sized American songbird. Formerly placed in the tanager family , it and other members of its genus are now classified in the cardinal family . The species's plumage and vocalizations are similar to other members of the cardinal family.-Description:Adults have pale...
,
Summer TanagerThe Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra, is a medium-sized American songbird. Formerly placed in the tanager family , it and other members of its genus are now classified in the cardinal family...
, and
Western TanagerThe Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana, is a medium-sized American songbird. Formerly placed in the tanager family , it and other members of its genus are now classified in the cardinal family...
),
ChlorothraupisChlorothraupis is a genus of bird in the family Cardinalidae. It was long considered to be tanagers as their common names suggest, but this is false...
, and
HabiaHabia may refer to:* Habia , a bird genus* Habia , the hydronymic word root...
appear to be members of the
CardinalThe Cardinals or Cardinalidae are a family of passerine birds found in North and South America. The South American cardinals in the genus Paroaria are placed in another family, the Thraupidae ....
family, and have been reassigned to that family by the
AOUThe American Ornithologists' Union is an ornithological organization in the USA. Unlike the National Audubon Society, its members are primarily professional ornithologists rather than amateur birders...
.
Description
Tanagers are small to medium-sized birds. The shortest-bodied species, the
White-eared ConebillThe White-eared Conebill is a species of bird in the Thraupidae family.It is found in Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest.-References:* BirdLife International 2004. . Downloaded on 25 July...
, is 9 cm (3.8 in) long and weighs 7 grams, barely smaller than the
Short-billed HoneycreeperThe Short-billed Honeycreeper is a species of bird in the Thraupidae family.It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests....
. The longest, the
Magpie TanagerThe Magpie Tanager is a South American species of tanager. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Cissopis. As suggested by its common name, this blue-black and white species is superficially reminiscent of a European Magpie. With a total length of 25-30 cm , a large percentage of which is...
is 28 cm (11 in) and weighs 76 grams (2.7 oz). The heaviest is the
White-capped TanagerThe White-capped Tanager. Sericossypha albocristata. Length 24 cm. Weight 114 g. Occurs in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru at elevations of 1600–3200 m. It lives in humid forest in groups of up to 20 individuals. Flocks stay in tight formation, often foraging from tree to tree together...
which weighs 114 grams (4 oz) and measures about 23 cm (8.7 in). Both sexes are usually the same size and weight. Tanagers are often brightly colored, but some species are black and white. Birds in their first year are often duller or a different color altogether. Males are typically more brightly coloured than females.
Most tanagers have short, rounded wings. The shape of the bill seems to be linked to the species' foraging habits.
Distribution
Tanagers are restricted to the
New WorldThe New World is one of the names used for the non-Afro-Eurasian parts of the Earth, specifically the Americas and possibly Australia. When the term originated in the late 15th century, the Americas were new to the Europeans, who previously thought of the world as consisting only of Europe, Asia,...
and mainly to the
tropicsThe tropics,the tropics are very hot. hi everyone! peace out!seated in the equatorial regions of the world, are limited in latitude by the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere at approximately 23°26' N latitude and the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere at 23°26' S latitude...
. About 60% of tanagers live in South America, and 30% of these species live in the
AndesThe Andes are the world's longest exposed mountain range. They lie as a continuous chain of highland along the western coast of South America...
. Most species are
endemicEndemism is the ecological state of being unique to a particular geographic location, such as a specific island, habitat type, nation, or other defined zone. To be endemic to a place or area means that it is found only in that part of the world and nowhere else. For example, many species of lemur...
to a relatively small area.
Behaviour
Most tanagers live in pairs or in small groups of 3-5 individuals. These groups may consist simply of parents and their offspring. Birds may also be seen in single species or mixed flocks. Many tanagers are thought to have dull songs, though some are elaborate.
Diet
Tanagers are omnivorous, and their diet varies from genus to genus. They have been seen eating fruits, seeds, nectar, flower parts and insects. Many pick insects off branches. Other species look for insects on the underside of leaves. Yet others wait on branches until they see a flying insect and catch it in the air. Many of these particular species inhabit the same areas, but these specializations alleviate competition.
Reproduction
The breeding season begin in March through until June in temperate areas and in September through October in
South AmericaSouth America is the southern continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere...
. Some species are territorial while others build their nests closer together. There is little information on tanager breeding behavior or whether they are monogamous or polygamous. Males show off their brightest feathers to potential mates and rival males. Some species' courtship rituals involve bowing and tail lifting.
Most tanagers build cup nests on branches in trees. Some nests are almost globular. Entrances are usually built on the side of the nest. The nests can be shallow or deep. The species of the tree they choose to build their nest in and the nest's position varies among genera. Most species nest in an area hidden by very dense vegetation. There is still no information on the nests of some species.
The clutch size is 3–5 eggs. The female incubates the eggs and builds the nest, but the male may feed the female while she incubates. Both sexes feed the young. Five species have helpers assist in feeding the young. These helpers are thought to be the previous year's nestlings.
Systematics
Phylogenetic studies suggest the true tanagers form three main groups two of which consist of several smaller, well-supported clades. The list below is an attempt using information gleaned from the latest studies to organise them into coherent related groups, and as such may contain groupings not yet accepted by or are under review by the various ornithological taxonomy authorities.
Group 1
Mainly dull-coloured forms
a) Conebill and
flowerpiercerThe flowerpiercers are the members of two genera of tanagers, Diglossa and Diglossopis. The latter genus is sometimes subsumed into the former, but at present most authorities maintain them as separate. The common name refers to their habit of piercing the base of flowers to access nectar that...
group (Also contains
Haplospiza Haplospiza is a small genus of birds in the Thraupidae family. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae. Its two members breed in subtropical or tropical moist forest in Central and South America...
,
CatameniaCatamenia is a genus of atypical seedeaters. Formerly placed in the Emberizidae, they are now considered tanagers.-Species List:* Band-tailed Seedeater, Catamenia analis* Plain-colored Seedeater, Catamenia inornata...
,
Acanthidops,
DiglossaDiglossa can refer to* Diglossia, a linguistic term in which, in a given society, there are two closely-related languages, one of high prestige, which is generally used by the government and in formal texts, and one of low prestige, which is usually the spoken vernacular tongue.* Diglossa , a...
,
DiglossopisDiglossopis is a genus of blue flowerpiercers in the family Thraupidae. They are closely related to the genus Diglossa, and some retain all flowerpiercers in that genus. They were formerly classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong...
,
PhrygilusPhrygilus is a genus of mainly Andean seed-eating tanagers commonly known as sierra-finches. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown them to belong in the Thraupidae...
and
SicalisSicalis is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae.It contains the following species:...
traditionally in the
EmberizidaeThe Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds.They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings....
) This group despite having a rather varied bill morphology shows marked plumage similarities. Most are largely grey, blue, or black, and numerous have
rufousRust is a red-orange color resembling iron oxide. It is a commonly used color in stage lighting, and appears roughly the same color as photographic safelights when used over a standard tungsten light source. The color is number 777 in the swatch book....
on the underparts:
- Genus Conirostrum
Typical conebills are the tanager genus Conirostrum. They are small tanagers found in the forests of South America. They feed in pairs or small flocks by gleaning insects from foliage....
– typical conebills (10 species)
- Genus Oreomanes – Giant Conebill
- Genus Xenodacnis – Tit-like Dacnis
- Genus Catamenia
Catamenia is a genus of atypical seedeaters. Formerly placed in the Emberizidae, they are now considered tanagers.-Species List:* Band-tailed Seedeater, Catamenia analis* Plain-colored Seedeater, Catamenia inornata...
(3 species)
- Genus Diglossa
Diglossa is a genus of flowerpiercers in the family Thraupidae. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae...
– typical flowerpiercers (14 species)
- Genus Diglossopis
Diglossopis is a genus of blue flowerpiercers in the family Thraupidae. They are closely related to the genus Diglossa, and some retain all flowerpiercers in that genus. They were formerly classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong...
– blue flowerpiercers (4 species)
- Genus Haplospiza
Haplospiza is a small genus of birds in the Thraupidae family. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae. Its two members breed in subtropical or tropical moist forest in Central and South America...
(2 species). Paraphyletic with 2 species of sierra-finch PhrygilusPhrygilus is a genus of mainly Andean seed-eating tanagers commonly known as sierra-finches. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown them to belong in the Thraupidae...
- Genus Acanthidops – Peg-billed Finch
- Genus Phrygilus
Phrygilus is a genus of mainly Andean seed-eating tanagers commonly known as sierra-finches. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown them to belong in the Thraupidae...
- sierra-finches (11 species)
- Genus Sicalis
Sicalis is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae.It contains the following species:...
– yellow-finches (12 species). Paraphyletic with PhrygilusPhrygilus is a genus of mainly Andean seed-eating tanagers commonly known as sierra-finches. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown them to belong in the Thraupidae...
b) True
seedeaterThe seedeaters are a form taxon of seed-eating passerine birds with a distinctively conical bill.Most are Central and South American birds that were formerly placed in the American sparrow family , but are now known to be tanagers closely related to Darwins finches...
s. Traditionally placed in
EmberizidaeThe Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds.They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings....
. These genera share a particular foot-
scuteA scute or scutum is a bony external plate or scale, as on the shell of a turtle, the skin of crocodilians, or the feet of some birds.-Properties:Scutes are similar to scales and serve the same function...
pattern which suggests that they may form a monophyletic group:
- Genus Sporophila
Sporophila is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family. The Seed Finches are sometimes included in this genus.-Species:There are more than 30 species of Sporophila:* Buffy-fronted Seedeater, Sporophila frontalis...
– typical seedeaters (some 55 species)
- Genus Oryzoborus
Oryzoborus is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae.It contains the following species:...
(6 species)
- Genus Dolospingus – White-naped Seedeater
- Genus Charitospiza – Coal-crested Finch
c) "Yellow-rumped" clade:
- Genus Heterospingus
Heterospingus is a small genus of medium-sized tanagers found in forests of South America.-Species List:* Sulphur-rumped Tanager, Heterospingus rubrifrons* Scarlet-browed Tanager, Heterospingus xanthopygius...
(2 species)
- Genus Chrysothlypis
Chrysothlypis is a small genus of tanagers found in forests of South America.-Species list:* Black-and-yellow Tanager, Chrysothlypis chrysomelaena* Scarlet-and-white Tanager, Chrysothlypis salmoni...
(2 species)
- Genus Hemithraupis
A small genus of tanagers found in forests of South America.-Species list:* Guira Tanager, Hemithraupis guira* Rufous-headed Tanager, Hemithraupis ruficapilla* Yellow-backed Tanager, Hemithraupis flavicollis...
(3 species)
d) "Crested" clade (Also contains
CoryphospingusA small genus of finch-like tanagers found in South America, Coryphospingus was formerly classified in the family Emberizidae along with the buntings and American sparrows.-Species list:* Pileated Finch, Coryphospingus pileatus...
&
Volatinia traditionally placed in the
EmberizidaeThe Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds.They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings....
):
- Genus Ramphocelus
Ramphocelus is a Neotropical genus of birds of the tanager family. They have enlarged shiny whitish or bluish-grey lower mandibles, which are pointed upwards in display. However, this is greatly reduced in the females of most species...
– silver-billed tanagers (9 species)
- Genus Lanio
Lanio is the genus of shrike-tanagers.-Species list:* Fulvous Shrike-tanager, Lanio fulvus* White-winged Shrike-tanager, Lanio versicolor* Black-throated Shrike-tanager, Lanio aurantius...
– shrike-tanagers (4 species)
- Genus Eucometis – Gray-headed Tanager
- Genus Tachyphonus
Tachyphonus is a genus of tanagers.-Species list:* Flame-crested Tanager, Tachyphonus cristatus* Yellow-crested Tanager, Tachyphonus rufiventer* Fulvous-crested Tanager, Tachyphonus surinamus...
(8 species)
- Genus Trichothraupis – Black-goggled Tanager
- Genus Stephanophorus – Diademed Tanager
- Genus Coryphospingus
A small genus of finch-like tanagers found in South America, Coryphospingus was formerly classified in the family Emberizidae along with the buntings and American sparrows.-Species list:* Pileated Finch, Coryphospingus pileatus...
(2 species)
- Genus Volatinia – Blue-black Grassquit
e) "Blue Finch" clade. Relationships within Thraupidae uncertain but may be related to "Poospiza" clade:
- Genus Porphyrospiza - Blue Finch
- Genus? Phrygilus alaudinus - Band-tailed Sierra-finch
f) The "Poospiza" clade - a diverse but close-knit group containing both warbler and finch-like forms:
- Genus Poospiza
Poospiza is a genus of finch-like tanagers found in both the South American lowlands and the Andes mountains. Generally they are arboreal feeders in light woodland and scrub...
– Warbling-finches (15 species)
- Genus Compsospiza
Compsospiza is a genus of South American birds known as mountain-finches...
- Mountain-finches (2 species)
- Genus Cnemoscopus – Gray-hooded Bush Tanager
- Genus Hemispingus
Hemispingus is a genus of warbler-like tanagers.-Species list:* Black-capped Hemispingus, Hemispingus atropileus* Orange-browed Hemispingus, Hemispingus calophrys* Parodi's Hemispingus, Hemispingus parodii...
– hemispinguses (12 species)
- Genus Thlypopsis
Thlypopsis is a genus of tanagers.-Species list:* Fulvous-headed Tanager, Thlypopsis fulviceps* Rufous-chested Tanager, Thlypopsis ornata* Brown-flanked Tanager, Thlypopsis pectoralis* Orange-headed Tanager, Thlypopsis sordida...
(6 species)
- Genus Pyrrhocoma – Chestnut-headed Tanager
- Genus Cypsnagra – White-rumped Tanager
- Genus Nephelornis – Pardusco
g) Grass & Pampa-finches. Relationships within Thraupidae uncertain but together form a well-supported clade:
- Genus Emberizoides
Emberizoides is a small genus of finch-like tanagers found in grassy areas in Central and South America.-Species list:* Wedge-tailed Grass-finch, Emberizoides herbicola* Duida Grass-finch, Emberizoides duidae...
(3 species)
- Genus Embernagra
Embernagra is a genus of finch-like tanagers.-Species list:* Pale-throated Serra-finch, Embernagra longicauda* Great Pampa-finch, Embernagra platensis...
(2 species)
h) A miscellaneous and likely polyphyletic group of unplaced "tanager-finches" (which may or may not include the species called
Tanager-finchThe Tanager-finch is a species of bird in the Emberizidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Oreothraupis.It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montanes....
) whose members when studied will no doubt be relocated to other clades:
- Genus Melanodera
Melanodera is a genus of Patagonian seed-eating tanagers.-Species list:* White-bridled Finch or Canary-winged Finch, Melanodera melanodera* Yellow-bridled Finch, Melanodera xanthogramma...
(2 species)
- Genus Rowettia – Gough Island Finch
- Genus Nesospiza
Nesospiza is a genus of seed-eating tanagers found on the Tristan da Cunha archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean.-Species list:* Tristan Bunting, Nesospiza acunhae* Wilkins' Finch, Nesospiza wilkinsi...
(2 species)
- Genus Gubernatrix – Yellow Cardinal
- Genus Idiopsar – Short-tailed Finch
- Genus Piezorhina – Cinereous Finch
- Genus Xenospingus – Slender-billed Finch
- Genus Incaspiza
The Inca-finches are a genus of finch-like tanagers. They were formerly placed in the Emberizidae. Both their scientific and common name refer to the Incan civilization. They are endemic to arid scrub in central and northern Peru. Most are restricted to highlands, and only a single species, the...
– inca-finches (5 species)
- Genus Coryphaspiza – Black-masked Finch
- Genus Rhodospingus – Crimson-breasted Finch
- Genus Donacospiza – Long-tailed Reed-finch (may be related to Poospiza
Poospiza is a genus of finch-like tanagers found in both the South American lowlands and the Andes mountains. Generally they are arboreal feeders in light woodland and scrub...
)
i) Basal forms in group 1:
- Genus Conothraupis
Conothraupis is a genus of tanagers.-Species list:* Black-and-white Tanager, Conothraupis speculigera* Cone-billed Tanager, Conothraupis mesoleuca...
(2 species)
- Genus Orchesticus – Brown Tanager
- Genus Creurgops
Creurgops is a genus of tanagers.-Species list:* Rufous-crested Tanager, Creurgops verticalis* Slaty Tanager, Creurgops dentata...
(2 species)
Group 2
"Typical" colourful Tanagers
a) Tropical canopy tanagers:
- Genus Thraupis
Thraupis is a genus of birds of the tanager family occurring from Mexico to Argentina. Some are familiar species with large ranges.These tanagers are mainly found in semi-open habitats including plantations and open woodland, but some will venture into towns...
- T. abbas & episcopus at least
- Genus Tangara
Tangara is a large genus of birds of the tanager family. Many have restricted ranges. Most species in the genus are brightly colored. This genus includes some of the most spectacularly colored birds of the world....
(about 50 species)
b) The "Tholospiza" -
Darwin's finchesDarwin's finches are 13 or 14 separate combinatory species of Passerine birds related to a group that Charles Darwin collected on the Galápagos Islands during the voyage of the Beagle...
,
grassquitGrassquits are small, tropical birds currently placed in the tanager bird family Thraupidae, although they had earlier been thought to be of the family Emberizidae...
s, atypical
honeycreeperThe typical honeycreepers are small birds in the tanager family. They are found in the tropical New World from Mexico south to Brazil.They occur in the forest canopy, and, as the name implies, they are specialist nectar feeders with long curved bills....
s and some
seedeaterThe seedeaters are a form taxon of seed-eating passerine birds with a distinctively conical bill.Most are Central and South American birds that were formerly placed in the American sparrow family , but are now known to be tanagers closely related to Darwins finches...
s. The finch-like forms in this clade were formerly classified in the
EmberizidaeThe Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds.They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings....
:
- Genus Geospiza
Geospiza is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family; all species of Geospiza are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the tanager family.It contains the following species:*...
– ground finches (6 species)
- Genus Camarhynchus
Camarhynchus is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family; all species of Camarhynchus are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the tanager family.It contains the following...
– tree finches (6 species)
- Genus Certhidea – Warbler Finch
- Genus Pinaroloxias – Cocos Island Finch
- Genus Melopyrrha – Cuban Bullfinch
- Genus Coereba – Bananaquit. Formerly placed in own family Coerebidae
- Genus Tiaris
Tiaris is a genus of songbirds in the tanager family , containing the bulk of the grassquits. In late 20th century sources in particular, it was very often allied to the American sparrows and placed in the Emberizidae family....
– grassquits (5 species) - polyphyletic
- Genus Loxipasser – Yellow-shouldered Grassquit
- Genus Euneornis – Orangequit
- Genus Melanospiza – St. Lucia Black Finch
- Genus Loxigilla
Loxigilla is the genus of Antillean bullfinches, birds in the Thraupidae family. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the tanager family....
– Antillean bullfinches (3 species) - polyphyletic
c) Mountain tanagers:
- Genus Cyanicterus – Blue-backed Tanager
- Genus Bangsia
Bangsia is a genus of tanagers.-Species list:* Blue-and-gold Tanager, Bangsia arcaei* Black-and-gold Tanager, Bangsia melanochlamys* Golden-chested Tanager, Bangsia rothschildi* Moss-backed Tanager, Bangsia edwardsi...
– (5 species)
- Genus Buthraupis
Buthraupis is a genus of tanagers.-Species list:* Hooded Mountain-tanager, Buthraupis montana* Black-chested Mountain-tanager, Buthraupis eximia* Golden-backed Mountain-tanager, Buthraupis aureodorsalis...
– (4 species)
- Genus Chlorornis – Grass-green Tanager
- Genus Wetmorethraupis – Orange-throated Tanager
- Genus Anisognathus
Anisognathus is a genus of tanagers found in highland forests and woodlands in South America.-Species list:* Santa Marta Mountain-tanager, Anisognathus melanogenys* Lacrimose Mountain-tanager, Anisognathus lacrymosus...
– (5 species)
- Genus Dubusia – Buff-breasted Mountain-tanager
- Genus Delothraupis – Chestnut-bellied Mountain-tanager
- Genus? Saltator rufiventris - Rufous-bellied 'Saltator'
d) Typical tanagers:
- Genus Thraupis
Thraupis is a genus of birds of the tanager family occurring from Mexico to Argentina. Some are familiar species with large ranges.These tanagers are mainly found in semi-open habitats including plantations and open woodland, but some will venture into towns...
- Thraupis bonariensis at least belongs here
- Genus Pipraeidea – Fawn-breasted Tanager
- Genus Iridosornis
Iridosornis is a genus of tanagers.-Species list:* Purplish-mantled Tanager, Iridosornis porphyrocephala* Yellow-throated Tanager, Iridosornis analis* Golden-collared Tanager, Iridosornis jelskii...
(5 species)
e) Typical multicoloured tanagers (includes
ParoariaParoaria, the red-headed cardinals or cardinal-tanagers , are a genus of tanagers. They were until recently placed in the family Emberizidae.-Species list:* Red-crested Cardinal, Paroaria coronata...
traditionally placed in either
EmberizidaeThe Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds.They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings....
or Cardinalidae):
- Genus Diuca
Diuca is a small genus of Andean seed-eating tanagers.-Species list:* White-winged Diuca-finch, Diuca speculifera* Common Diuca-finch, Diuca diuca...
(2 species)
- Genus Lophospingus
Lophospingus is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the tanager family.It contains the following species:...
(2 species)
- Genus Neothraupis – White-banded Tanager
- Genus Cissopis – Magpie Tanager
- Genus Paroaria
Paroaria, the red-headed cardinals or cardinal-tanagers , are a genus of tanagers. They were until recently placed in the family Emberizidae.-Species list:* Red-crested Cardinal, Paroaria coronata...
(5–6 species)
- Genus Schistochlamys
Schistochlamys is a genus of tanagers.-Species list:* Cinnamon Tanager, Schistochlamys ruficapillus* Black-faced Tanager, Schistochlamys melanopis...
(2 species)
f) Green & Golden-collared Honeycreepers:
- Genus Chlorophanes – Green Honeycreeper
- Genus Iridophanes – Golden-collared Honeycreeper
g) Typical honeycreepers and relatives:
- Genus Tersina – Swallow Tanager
- Genus Cyanerpes, the typical honeycreepers (4 species)
- Genus Pseudodacnis – Turquoise Dacnis-tanager
- Genus Dacnis
Dacnis is a genus of tanagers.Species list* White-bellied Dacnis, Dacnis albiventris* Black-faced Dacnis, Dacnis lineata** Yellow-tufted Dacnis, Dacnis egregia* Yellow-bellied Dacnis, Dacnis flaviventer...
, the dacnises (8 species)
h) Basal lineages within group 2:
- Genus Chlorochrysa
Chlorochrysa is a genus of small colourful tanagers.-Species list:* Glistening-green Tanager, Chlorochrysa phoenicotis* Orange-eared Tanager, Chlorochrysa calliparaea* Multicolored Tanager, Chlorochrysa nitidissima...
(3 species)
- Genus Parkerthraustes – Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak (traditionally in Cardinalidae, but biochemical evidence suggests it is a tanager)
- Genus Nemosia
Nemosia is a genus of tanagers.-Species list:* Hooded Tanager, Nemosia pileata* Cherry-throated Tanager, Nemosia rourei...
– (2 species)
- Genus Compsothraupis – Scarlet-throated Tanager
- Genus Sericossypha – White-capped Tanager
Group 3
Saltators
- Genus Saltator
Saltator is an American genus of songbird. They are traditionally placed in the cardinal family but actually seem to be closer to tanagers . The name saltators is the English name for the group for lack of a better term, and the English names of all except two species end in "Saltator".Saltator...
(16 species; traditionally placed in Cardinalidae, but biochemical evidence suggests they may be tanagers or a sister group)
- Genus Saltatricula – Many-colored Chaco-finch. Traditionally placed in the Emberizidae
The Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds.They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings....
but may be related to one of the SaltatorSaltator is an American genus of songbird. They are traditionally placed in the cardinal family but actually seem to be closer to tanagers . The name saltators is the English name for the group for lack of a better term, and the English names of all except two species end in "Saltator".Saltator...
s
Thraupidae incertae sedisIncertae sedis , abbreviated "inc. sed.", is a term used to define a taxonomic group where its broader relationships are unknown or undefined.-Examples:The taxonomy for humans is usually recognized as follows:...
- Genus Mitrospingus
Mitrospingus is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family.It contains the following species:* Dusky-faced Tanager * Olive-backed Tanager...
(2 species)
- Genus Orthogonys – Olive-green Tanager
- Genus Calochaetes – Vermilion Tanager
- Genus Catamblyrhynchus – Plushcap or Plush-capped Finch
- Genus Oreothraupis – Tanager-finch
- Genus Urothraupis – Black-backed Bush-tanager
- Genus Rhodinocichla – Rosy Thrush-tanager
- Genus Lamprospiza – Red-billed Pied Tanager
- Genus Phaenicophilus
Phaenicophilus is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family.It contains the following species:* Black-crowned Palm-tanager * Grey-crowned Palm-tanager...
– palm-tanagers (2 species)
- Genus Xenoligea – White-winged warbler
- Genus Microligea – Green-tailed warbler
- Genus Calyptophilus
Calyptophilus is a genus of bird in the Thraupidae family.It contains the following species:* Western Chat-tanager, Calyptophilus tertius* Eastern Chat-tanager, Calyptophilus frugivorus...
– chat-tanagers (2 species)
- Genus Nesospingus – Puerto Rican Tanager
Recently split from Thraupidae
Related to ArremonopsArremonops is a genus of bird in the Emberizidae family.It contains the following species:* Green-backed Sparrow * Olive Sparrow * Tocuyo Sparrow...
and other American sparrows in EmberizidaeThe Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds.They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings....
:
- Genus Chlorospingus
Chlorospingus, the bush-tanagers, are a genus of perching birds traditionally placed in the tanager family . This seems in error according to more recent studies, which suggest that they are closely related to the genus Arremonops in the Emberizidae...
– bush-tanagers (around 10 species)
Related to the cardinalsThe Cardinals or Cardinalidae are a family of passerine birds found in North and South America. The South American cardinals in the genus Paroaria are placed in another family, the Thraupidae ....
in Cardinalidae:
- Genus Piranga
Piranga is a genus of birds long placed in the tanager family, but actually related to the Cardinalis cardinals.Similar in shape and habits to the true tanagers, their coloration betrays their actual relationships. They are essentially red, orange or yellow all over, except the tail and wings and...
– northern tanagers (9 species)
- Genus Habia – ant-tanagers or habias (5 species)
- Genus Chlorothraupis
Chlorothraupis is a genus of bird in the family Cardinalidae. It was long considered to be tanagers as their common names suggest, but this is false...
(3 species)
- Genus Amaurospiza
Amaurospiza is a genus of birds. These "seedeaters" were formerly associated with the American sparrows and placed in the Emberizidae or the Fringillidae. The generic name is derived from the Ancient Greek amauros + spiza .Actually, they are part of the tanager-cardinal lineage...
(4 species; apparently very close to CyanocompsaCyanocompsa is a genus of cardinal in the Cardinalidae family.It contains the following species:* Ultramarine Grosbeak * Blue Bunting * Blue-black Grosbeak...
)
Fringillinae, subfamily EuphoniinaeEuphoniinae is a subfamily of finches endemic to the Neotropics. It contains two genera, Euphonia and Chlorophonia.-Species list:SUBFAMILY EUPHONIINAE*Genus Euphonia: the euphonias** Jamaican Euphonia, ** Plumbeous Euphonia, ...
:
- Genus Euphonia
Euphonias are members of the genus Euphonia, a group of Neotropical birds in the finch family. They share the subfamily Euphoniinae with the chlorophonias. Euphonia contains close to 27 species....
(over 25 species)
- Genus Chlorophonia
Chlorophonia is the name of a genus of finches endemic to the Neotropics. The English group name for the five species that constitute the genus is also chlorophonia. The collective term for the genus is chlorophonias...
(5 species)
Exact affinities uncertain, but lie outside the tanagers:
- Genus Spindalis
Spindalis is a genus consisting of 4 non-migratory bird species. The genus is considered endemic to the Greater Antilles; a population on Cozumel Island, off the Yucatan Peninsula's east coast, is part of that island's West Indian fauna. Traditionally considered aberrant tanagers , their true...
– spindalises (4 species).
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