Cypsnagra hirundinacea
The White-rumped Tanager (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) is a strikingly patterned songbird native to the open woodlands and savannas of South America. Measuring approximately 16-17 cm (6.3-6.7 inches) in length and weighing 25-35 grams (0.9-1.2 oz), it presents a bold black and white plumage that makes it unmistakable. Its most distinctive field mark is a brilliant white rump, prominently visible during flight, contrasting sharply with its otherwise black head, back, wings, and tail. The underparts...
This species primarily inhabits open, savanna-like environments, cerrado, dry scrublands, and grasslands with scattered trees or clearings at forest edges. It is typically found at low to mid-elevations, generally below 1,500 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and ants, captured through flycatching or gleaning. This is supplemented with small fruits and seeds, particularly during periods of insect scarcity.
The White-rumped Tanager is a diurnal bird, typically observed in pairs or small family groups, often foraging actively. It employs a variety of foraging techniques, including sallying for insects in mid-air (flycatching) from a prominent perch, gleaning prey from foliage, and occasionally foragi...
The White-rumped Tanager is a resident species distributed widely across central and eastern South America. Its breeding range encompasses much of Brazil, extending from the northern states of Amapá and Pará southward through the cerrado biome to Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. The species also occ...
Least Concern
- The White-rumped Tanager is the sole species in its genus, Cypsnagra, making it a monotypic genus and highlighting its distinct evolutionary lineage. - Its species name, "hirundinacea," is Latin for "swallow-like," likely referring to its sleek profile and agile, aerial flycatching maneuvers. -...