Tanager

The tanagers (singular /ˈtænədʒər/) comprise the bird family Thraupidae, in the order Passeriformes. The family has a Neotropical distribution and is the second-largest family of birds. It represent about 4% of all avian species and 12% of the Neotropical birds.^[1]

Traditionally, the family contained around 240 species of mostly brightly colored fruit-eating birds.^[2] As more of these birds were studied using modern molecular techniques, it became apparent that the traditional families were not monophyletic. Euphonia and Chlorophonia, which were once considered part of the tanager family, are now treated as members of the Fringillidae, in their own subfamily (Euphoniinae). Likewise, the genera Piranga (which includes the scarlet tanager, summer tanager, and western tanager), Chlorothraupis, and Habia appear to be members of the cardinal family,^[3] and have been reassigned to that family by the American Ornithological Society.^[4]

Tanagers are small to medium-sized birds. The shortest-bodied species, the white-eared conebill, is 9 cm (4 in) long and weighs 6 g (0.2 oz), barely smaller than the short-billed honeycreeper. The longest, the magpie tanager is 28 cm (11 in) and weighs 76 g (2.7 oz). The heaviest is the white-capped tanager, which weighs 114 g (4.02 oz) and measures about 24 cm (9.4 in). Both sexes are usually the same size and weight.

Tanagers are often brightly colored, but some species are black and white. Males are typically more brightly colored than females and juveniles. Most tanagers have short, rounded wings. The shape of the bill seems to be linked to the species' foraging habits.

Tanagers are restricted to the Western Hemisphere and mainly to the tropics. About 60% of tanagers live in South America, and 30% of these species live in the Andes. Most species are endemic to a relatively small area.

Most tanagers live in pairs or in small groups of three to five individuals. These groups may consist simply of parents and their offspring. These birds may also be seen in single-species or mixed flocks. Many tanagers are thought to have dull songs, though some are elaborate.^{[citation needed]}

Yellow-shouldered grosbeak, Parkerthraustes humeralis

Black-masked finch, Coryphaspiza melanotis

Green honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza

Diversity of Darwin's finches

Brazilian tanager, Ramphocelus bresilius

Male variable seedeater, Sporophila corvina

Slaty finch, Haplospiza rustica

Male yellow-bridled finch, Melanodera xanthogramma

Blue-grey tanager, Thraupis episcopus

Green-and-gold tanager, Tangara schrankii