Neothraupis fasciata
The Shrike-like Tanager (Neothraupis fasciata) is a distinctive, medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 16.5-17.5 cm (6.5-7 inches) in length. Its slender build is characterized by a mostly grayish-white plumage, starkly contrasted by a prominent black mask extending from the bill through the eye, and a long, entirely black tail. Pinkish-red legs complete its unique appearance. This striking combination of colors and its upright posture make it easily identifiable, even from a distance. ...
This species exclusively inhabits dry, open savannas, including the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, often found in areas with scattered shrubs and small trees. It typically occurs at low to mid-elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects like orthopterans, caterpillars, and beetles, along with spiders. They occasionally supplement their diet with small fruits, foraging by gleaning, sallying, and pecking.
The Shrike-like Tanager is a highly active, diurnal species, often observed singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, frequently joining mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Its foraging strategy is primarily insectivorous, involving active gleaning from foliage, sallying after ai...
The Shrike-like Tanager is endemic to central South America, primarily distributed across extensive areas of Brazil, with extensions into adjacent eastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay. Within Brazil, its range spans from the state of Maranhão south through Goiás, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo,...
Least Concern
- The Shrike-like Tanager is the sole member of its genus, Neothraupis, making it a monotypic species. - Despite its common name and behavioral similarities, it is not closely related to true shrikes (family Laniidae), but rather belongs to the tanager family (Thraupidae). - Its scientific name, ...