Brazilian tanager facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brazilian tanager |
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| Male | |
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| Female in Registro, São Paulo, Brazil | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ramphocelus
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| Species: |
bresilia
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| Synonyms | |
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Tanagra bresilius Linnaeus, 1766 |
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The Brazilian tanager (Ramphocelus bresilia) is a striking bird that lives in eastern Brazil and a small part of northeastern Argentina. It's a member of the Thraupidae family, which is a large group of colorful birds often called tanagers.
These birds are found along the coastal areas, stretching from Paraíba in the north all the way south to Santa Catarina in Brazil and Misiones in Argentina.
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About the Brazilian Tanager
The Brazilian tanager was first described by a famous Swedish scientist named Carl Linnaeus in 1766. He gave it the scientific name Tanagra bresilia. Today, it's placed in a different group, or genus, called Ramphocelus.
What Does It Look Like?
The Brazilian tanager is a typical tanager, meaning it has a strong bill (beak). It's about 18 centimeters (7 inches) long and weighs between 28 and 35.5 grams (about 1 to 1.25 ounces).
One cool thing about these birds is that the males and females look different. This is called sexual dimorphism.
- Males: The male Brazilian tanager is super bright! It has a fiery red body with black wings and a black tail. Its bill is black on top and pale underneath.
- Females: The female is mostly grey-brown. She has a reddish-brown color on her belly and chest.
Where Does It Live?
You can easily spot the Brazilian tanager in its natural home, especially where there's plenty of food. They like areas that aren't completely covered by dense forests.
Their favorite places to live include:
- Shrubby areas
- Forest clearings and edges
- Swamps
- Gardens
- City parks
This bird is quite adaptable and can live in places that have been changed by people.
What Does It Eat?
The Brazilian tanager is an omnivorous bird, meaning it eats both plants and animals. It especially loves fruit, so it's known as a frugivorous bird.
Their diet includes:
- Pulpy fruits
- Seeds
- Insects
They can be a bit bossy when it comes to food! Brazilian tanagers sometimes act aggressively towards other bird species if they are competing for food.
How Does It Live?
When it's time to nest, the Brazilian tanager builds a cup-shaped nest. They hide their nests carefully among the leaves of plants. In these nests, the female lays two to three eggs. The eggs are usually greenish-blue with black spots.
Even though some Brazilian tanagers have been caught for the pet trade, they are not considered to be in danger of extinction. They are good at living in different kinds of places, even those that have been changed by humans.
