Crimson-collared tanager facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crimson-collared tanager |
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Ramphocelus
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| Species: |
sanguinolentus
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The crimson-collared tanager (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) is a small, colorful songbird. It lives in Central America. This bird gets its name from the bright red feathers around its neck. The word "sanguinolentus" comes from Latin. It means "bloodied," which describes its red color. A French scientist named René-Primevère Lesson first described this bird in 1831.
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About the Crimson-Collared Tanager
How Scientists Classify This Bird
Scientists group living things based on how they are related. This is called taxonomy. The crimson-collared tanager is part of a bird group called Ramphocelus. Some scientists used to think it belonged to its own special group. However, studies show it is a type of tanager. Its closest relative is the masked crimson tanager.
What Does This Bird Look Like?
Crimson-collared tanagers are about 19 to 20 centimeters (7.5 to 8 inches) long. Adult birds are mostly black. They have a bright red "collar" of feathers. This red color covers their neck, the back of their head, and their chest. Even their tail feathers are red!
Their bill is a striking pale blue color. Their legs are blue-gray. Adult birds also have crimson (dark red) eyes. Female birds look a bit less bright than males. Sometimes, it is hard to tell them apart. Young birds have duller red feathers. Their black areas might look brownish. Their chest can be a mix of red and black. Young birds also have a duller bill color.
What Sounds Do They Make?
These tanagers make high-pitched, soft sounds. They have several calls. One call sounds like "ssii-p." They make this sound when sitting or flying. Their song is short and jumpy. It has two to four notes. These notes are separated by pauses. It might sound like "tueee-teew, chu-chee-wee-chu, teweee."
Where Do Crimson-Collared Tanagers Live?
Their Home and Habitat
The crimson-collared tanager lives in Mexico. You can find them from southern Veracruz to northern Oaxaca. They also live along the Atlantic side of Central America. Their range goes all the way to the highlands of western Panama.
They like to live at the edges of humid, green forests. They also live in areas where new trees are growing. You can often see them in pairs. They usually stay in the middle or upper parts of the trees.
How Do Crimson-Collared Tanagers Behave?
Building Nests and Raising Young
Crimson-collared tanagers build cup-shaped nests. They use materials like moss and small roots. They also use strips from large leaves. These leaves can be from banana or Heliconia plants. They place their nests at a middle height in trees. These trees are usually at the edge of a forest. The female bird usually lays two eggs. The eggs are pale blue with blackish spots.
Are They Endangered?
No, these birds are not in danger. Their population is very large. The number of birds seems to be staying steady. Because of this, scientists say the species is of "Least Concern." This means they are not worried about them disappearing.
