Ruby-crowned Tanager
Tachyphonus coronatus
Medium-sized tanager found in the middle to upper levels of forest edges, light woodlands, plantations, and urban parks; sometimes visits feeding stations. Males are glossy black with a concealed red crown and a white spot on the shoulder. In flight, shows white underwings. Females have a gray-brown head and are otherwise mostly cinnamon colored, paler below than above.
Identification
The ruby-crowned tanager is a small bird, 16 centimeters or 6 inches long, weighing from 26 to 33 grams. Males are shining black with concealed red crests on the front of their head that they rarely raise, usually when excited, and white wingpits that are visible only when flying. Females are light brown, with slight black streaking under the throat and darker wings. Both sexes possess conical bills and black legs and feet.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Tachyphonus coronatus
- Authority
- (Vieillot, 1822)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Tachyphonus
Range and habitat
Ruby-crowned tanagers have a large range, occupying most of southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay and the Misiones Province of Argentina. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, and heavily degraded former forest.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Ruby-crowned tanagers live in pairs, but can also be seen in slightly larger flocks or alone. They are active, and will quickly move from one fruit tree to another in search of food.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Warsangli Linnet
Linaria johannis
A fine-billed finch with a notched tail. Neatly patterned mostly in gray and white, with black wings and tail and a rufous lower back and thighs. Male has a striking white eyebrow, lower cheek patch, wing notch, and rump. Female is duller, with a less striking facial pattern; juvenile is buffier and streakier. A rare resident in the hilly Daalo and Mash Caleed regions of northern Somalia, where it prefers degraded juniper forest and other woodland and scrub between 1200 and 2400 meters of elevation. Forages on the ground in pairs or small groups, and perches on exposed branches and dead trees. Sings a typical canary-like song with whistles, trills, and buzzes. Calls include a high-pitched “tsee-wit.” Streaky juvenile could be confused with a canary, but white in the wing is distinctive.
Canada Warbler
Cardellina canadensis
Spiffy warbler found in boggy areas. Blue-gray above and yellow below with distinctive yellow spectacles and necklace of black streaks. Legs are pale orange. Females show fainter necklace than males. Typically found in low vegetation, especially wet woods and thickets. Nests on the ground. Feeds on insects. One of the longest-distance migrant warblers; winters in South America.
Pale-eyed Bulbul
Pycnonotus davisoni
Distinctive bulbul endemic to the Irrawaddy River delta in southern Myanmar. Note namesake white irises, as well as the yellow facial stripes. Gray-brown body contrasts with olive wings and bright yellow vent. Inhabits lowland evergreen broadleaf and swamp forests in its restricted range. Formerly treated as the same species as Stripe-faced Bulbul (under “Stripe-throated Bulbul”), with which it overlaps in far southeastern Myanmar; note present species’ pale eyes and darker body. Song is throaty and melodious.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.