Piranga leucoptera
The White-winged Tanager (*Piranga leucoptera*) is a captivating member of the Cardinalidae family, showcasing striking sexual dimorphism and vibrant coloration. Males are a brilliant crimson-red, offset by a distinctive black mask extending to the bill, and prominent black wings adorned with two conspicuous white wing patches-a key field mark for identification. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length and weighing 14-18 g (0.5-0.6 ounces), their fiery plumage makes them a...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane evergreen forests, cloud forests, and their edges, typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,600 meters (3,000-8,500 feet) above sea level.
Their diet consists predominantly of insects, which they actively glean from foliage or catch in flight, supplemented by a significant intake of small fruits and berries.
White-winged Tanagers are diurnal birds, actively foraging throughout the day and roosting in dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy primarily involves active gleaning of insects from leaves and branches in the forest canopy and mid-story, often darting out for aerial insects. They also ...
The White-winged Tanager boasts a wide but somewhat disjunct distribution across the Neotropics, primarily inhabiting montane regions. Its breeding range extends from southern Mexico (specifically from Veracruz and Chiapas) south through Central America, encompassing Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, ...
Least Concern
- The White-winged Tanager was once classified in the Thraupidae family (true tanagers) but was reclassified into Cardinalidae (cardinals and grosbeaks) due to genetic research, a fascinating shift in avian taxonomy. - Male White-winged Tanagers possess one of the most vibrant crimson plumages am...