Rhodinocichla rosea
The Rosy Thrush-tanager, a truly captivating and taxonomically perplexing species, is a medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 16-20 cm (6.3-7.9 in) in length and weighing around 25-30 grams (0.9-1.1 oz). Males are strikingly colored with a vibrant rosy-red to pink on their underparts, sharply contrasted by a broad black mask extending from the bill to behind the eye, and glossy blackish upperparts. Females are more subdued but equally beautiful, displaying rich ochre to yellowish-br...
Found primarily in dense, tangled undergrowth and thickets within semi-arid to humid tropical and subtropical forests, often near forest edges, clearings, or disturbed areas. Typically occurs from sea level up to elevations of about 1800 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods such as beetles, ants, and spiders, gleaned from the ground and low vegetation. They also supplement their diet with small fruits and berries.
Rosy Thrush-tanagers are notoriously skulking birds, spending most of their time foraging on or very near the ground, often hidden within dense vegetation. They are generally solitary or found in pairs, moving stealthily through the undergrowth, flicking leaf litter to uncover prey. Males are hig...
The Rosy Thrush-tanager exhibits a remarkably fragmented distribution across Central and northern South America, occurring in several disjunct populations. In Mexico, it is found along the Pacific slope from Sinaloa south to Oaxaca, and in the Yucatán Peninsula. Further south, populations exist i...
Least Concern
- The Rosy Thrush-tanager is the sole member of its own avian family, Rhodinocichlidae, making it a truly unique evolutionary lineage among passerine birds. - Despite its common name, it is neither a true thrush nor a true tanager by modern genetic classification standards. - Its scientific name,...