Tachyphonus rufus
The White-lined Tanager, *Tachyphonus rufus*, is a striking medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 18-19 cm (7-7.5 inches) in length and weighing between 28-36 grams. Males are entirely glossy black, famously displaying a contrasting, often concealed, white patch on their shoulder (median coverts) during flight or display. Females, in stark contrast, are uniformly warm rufous to cinnamon-brown, lacking any white markings and typically paler on the underparts. This dramatic sexual dim...
Primarily inhabits semi-open areas, forest edges, secondary growth, clearings with scattered trees, and plantations. It typically occurs from sea level up to 1500 meters elevation, occasionally higher.
Omnivorous, feeding primarily on a wide variety of arthropods (insects and spiders) obtained by gleaning and sallying. Also regularly consumes small fruits and berries, and occasionally nectar.
Diurnal and highly active, the White-lined Tanager is a conspicuous species in its preferred habitats. It typically forages at mid-levels, gleaning insects and spiders from foliage, sallying for aerial insects, and plucking fruits. Males defend breeding territories with a series of distinctive "c...
The White-lined Tanager is a widely distributed and resident species across much of Central and South America. Its range extends from the Caribbean slope of Honduras south through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and continues into South America, encompassing virtually all of Colombia, Venezuel...
Least Concern
- The male's striking white shoulder patches, a key identification feature, are often hidden and only revealed during display or flight. - Females of this species are so different in plumage from males that they are frequently mistaken for an entirely different species by novice birders. - The ge...