Tachyphonus phoenicius
The Red-shouldered Tanager (*Tachyphonus phoenicius*) is a striking member of the Thraupidae family, known for its vivid sexual dimorphism. Males are predominantly glossy black, punctuated by a brilliant, distinctive scarlet-red patch on the bend of each wing, which serves as a key identification mark. These medium-sized tanagers typically measure around 15-16 cm (6 inches) in length and weigh between 18-25 grams. Females, in stark contrast, present a more subdued appearance with olive-brown ...
Found primarily in humid lowland tropical rainforests and tall secondary growth. It typically inhabits elevations up to 800-1000 meters (2,600-3,300 feet).
Feeds predominantly on a variety of arthropods and insects, gleaned from foliage or caught in flight. Its diet is significantly supplemented by a range of fruits, particularly small berries.
This diurnal tanager is frequently observed singly or in pairs, but notably, it often associates with mixed-species foraging flocks in the forest canopy. Its foraging strategy involves actively gleaning insects and plucking fruits from foliage, supplemented by occasional short sallies to capture ...
The Red-shouldered Tanager is a non-migratory resident across a vast expanse of northern South America, primarily within the Amazon Basin. Its continuous range spans southern Venezuela, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and extends widely throughout northern ...
Least Concern
- The male Red-shouldered Tanager's vibrant scarlet epaulets are a spectacular form of sexual signaling, crucial for attracting mates in the dense forest understory. - Despite their striking coloration, these birds can be surprisingly elusive and difficult to spot high in the canopy of the Amazon...