Tangara



Tangara  is a large genus of birds of the tanager family. It includes about 50 species, but as currently defined the genus is polyphyletic. All are from the Neotropics, and while most are fairly widespread, some have small distributions and are threatened. They are fairly small, ranging in size from 11.5 - 15 cm. This genus includes some of the most spectacularly colored birds of the world.

These tanagers are mainly found high in forest canopies, but some occupy more open habitat. They are found at all elevations below tree line but are most diverse in the Andean subtropical and foothill forests of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

The female builds a usually well concealed cup nest and lays two brown- or lilac-speckled white eggs. These hatch in 13–14 days and the chicks fledge in a further 15–16 days. The male and female feed the nestlings on insects and fruit, and may be assisted by helpers.

Tangara tanagers pick insects from leaves, or sometimes in flight, but fruit is a major dietary item, accounting for 53-86% of food items in those species which have been studied.

Species in taxonomic order

 * Blue-and-black Tanager, Tangara vassorii
 * Beryl-spangled Tanager, Tangara nigroviridis
 * Green-naped Tanager, Tangara fucosa
 * Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Tangara dowii
 * Metallic-green Tanager, Tangara labradorides
 * Blue-browed Tanager, Tangara cyanotis
 * Rufous-cheeked Tanager, Tangara rufigenis
 * Rufous-winged Tanager, Tangara lavinia
 * Bay-headed Tanager, Tangara gyrola
 * Golden-eared Tanager, Tangara chrysotis
 * Saffron-crowned Tanager, Tangara xanthocephala
 * Flame-faced Tanager, Tangara parzudakii
 * Green-and-gold Tanager, Tangara schrankii
 * Blue-whiskered Tanager, Tangara johannae
 * Golden Tanager, Tangara arthus
 * Emerald Tanager, Tangara florida
 * Silver-throated Tanager, Tangara icterocephala
 * Plain-colored Tanager, Tangara inornata
 * Turquoise Tanager, Tangara mexicana
 * White-bellied Tanager, Tangara mexicana brasiliensis
 * Paradise Tanager,	Tangara chilensis
 * Opal-rumped Tanager, Tangara velia
 * Silvery-breasted Tanager, Tangara velia cyanomelas
 * Opal-crowned Tanager, Tangara callophrys
 * Green-headed Tanager, Tangara seledon
 * Seven-colored Tanager, Tangara fastuosa
 * Red-necked Tanager, Tangara cyanocephala
 * Gilt-edged Tanager, Tangara cyanoventris
 * Brassy-breasted Tanager, Tangara desmaresti
 * Spotted Tanager, Tangara punctata
 * Dotted Tanager, Tangara varia
 * Rufous-throated Tanager, Tangara rufigula
 * Speckled Tanager, Tangara guttata
 * Yellow-bellied Tanager, Tangara xanthogastra
 * Golden-naped Tanager, Tangara ruficervix
 * Blue-gray Tanager, Tangara episcopus
 * Sayaca Tanager,	Tangara sayaca
 * Glaucous Tanager,	Tangara glaucocolpa
 * Azure-shouldered Tanager,	Tangara cyanoptera
 * Yellow-winged Tanager,	Tangara abbas
 * Palm Tanager,	Tangara palmarum
 * Golden-chevroned Tanager,	Tangara ornata
 * Gray-and-gold Tanager, Tangara palmeri
 * Azure-rumped Tanager / Cabanis's Tanager, Tangara cabanisi
 * Masked Tanager, Tangara nigrocincta
 * Golden-hooded Tanager, Tangara larvata
 * Blue-necked Tanager, Tangara cyanicollis
 * Black-headed Tanager, Tangara cyanoptera
 * Silvery Tanager / Silver-backed Tanager, Tangara viridicollis
 * Green-throated Tanager Straw-backed Tanager, Tangara argyrofenges
 * Black-capped Tanager, Tangara heinei
 * Sira Tanager, Tangara phillipsi
 * Black-backed Tanager, Tangara peruviana
 * Chestnut-backed Tanager, Tangara preciosa
 * Green-capped Tanager, Tangara meyerdeschauenseei
 * Burnished-buff Tanager, Tangara cayana
 * Scrub Tanager, Tangara vitriolina
 * Lesser Antillean Tanager, Tangara cucullata