Red Tanager

The hepatic tanager is a delightful medium-sized songbird native to the Americas. Originally classified within the tanager family, it is now considered part of the cardinal family, sharing many characteristics with its cardinal relatives, particularly regarding plumage and vocalizations. The name "hepatic" is derived from its liver-colored appearance, while its Latin epithet "flāva" means yellow or golden.

This bird exists in three subspecies groups, which may indeed represent distinct species: the hepatica group, the lutea group (also known as the tooth-billed tanager), and the flava group (also referred to as the red tanager). The hepatic tanager is found from the southwestern United States extending to northern Argentina, favoring habitats such as pine forests, the margins of highland forests, and open woodlands.

Appearance varies significantly among the subspecies. The northern group is generally larger and more robust, with a shorter tail and a stout bill. Female hepatic tanagers typically exhibit yellow plumage, while males are a striking red. On average, these birds weigh around 38 grams, have a wingspan of 31.8 cm, and measure approximately 20.3 cm in length.

In terms of behavior, the hepatic tanager closely resembles the western tanager. Their call is a low, dry "chup" and their song is clear, similar to that of the black-headed grosbeak. They forage in tree foliage, consuming insects, spiders, fruit, and occasionally nectar. Intriguingly, much remains unknown about the behavior and life history of the northern population.