Introducing the Brazilian Tanager, a stunning bird that catches your eye with its radiant crimson body that glows like a neon light. Especially when you see it against the backdrop of its black wings and tail.
The Brazilian Tanager (Ramphocelus bresilius) belongs to the Thraupidae family of birds. This particular species shows sexual dimorphism and can grow up to 7.1 inches in length while weighing between 0.99 to 1.25 oz. Both males and females have a heavy bill, but only males flaunt bright red-crimson plumage along with black wings and tail.
The male bird has a unique physical feature where its upper bill is black while the lower one has a silver shade. On the other hand, female birds do not possess the silver bill; they have brown feathers with a cinnamon belly and rump.
The origins of this particular species can be traced back to the eastern coast of Brazil spanning from ParaÃba to Santa Catarina.
The Brazilian tanager is fond of inhabiting areas that are in close proximity to the edges of forests, cultivated lands, and chicken coops. Additionally, they tend to gravitate towards bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds.
The primary food preference of these birds is fruits such as Cecropia and Acnisuts arborescens, although they also eat other tropical fruits like papaya, banana, and guava. They occasionally feed on insects and worms as well.
The breeding season of Brazilian tanagers lasts from October to March, during which they construct a nest with a cup shape using various plant fibers such as agaves, coconuts, palms, and grassroots. The female typically lays 2-3 eggs inside the nest, which she then incubates for approximately 13 days. Once the eggs hatch, the baby birds spend around 14-17 days in the nest before becoming fledged.
Although the caged bird trade poses a threat to some Brazilian tanagers, their overall population seems to be holding steady. These birds have shown an ability to adjust and thrive in environments that have been altered by human activity.
Take a look at this magnificent bird captured on video down below: