Red-crowned Tanager

Tachyphonus coronatus, also known as the Red-crowned Tanager, is a species of passerine bird in the family Thraupidae, found mainly in South America.

Description

The Red-crowned Tanager measures about 18 cm in length. The male has black plumage with a bright red or orange patch on the top of its head, which gives the species its name “crowned.” The female, on the other hand, is olive-brown in color and lacks the distinctive head patch, making her more discreet. Sexual dimorphism is very pronounced in this species.

Habitat and Distribution

This species is found in several South American countries, including Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It inhabits humid tropical and subtropical forests, secondary forests, and wooded areas. The Crowned Tanager is often observed in the lower levels of trees as well as in the canopy.

Behavior and Diet

The Crowned Tanager is primarily frugivorous, but it also consumes insects and berries. It usually forages in small groups and can be observed feeding either in the canopy or within dense vegetation.

Reproduction

The breeding season varies depending on the region, but pairs are monogamous. The nest is typically built in shrubs or trees, and the female lays 2 to 3 eggs. Incubation is carried out by the female, while the male helps feed the chicks once they hatch.

Conservation

Tachyphonus coronatus is currently classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the destruction of its natural habitat due to deforestation poses a potential long-term threat to its populations.