Ruby-crowned Tanager

About the Ruby-crowned Tanager

The ruby-crowned tanager (Tachyphonus coronatus) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae, the tanagers and allies. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and as a vagrant to Uruguay. The ruby-crowned tanager was formally described in 1822 with the binomial Agelaius Coronatus [sic], mistakenly classifying it as a New World blackbird. It now shares the genus Tachyphonus with four other species and is sister to the white-lined tanager (T. rufus).

The ruby-crowned tanager is monotypic. The ruby-crowned tanager is about 16 cm (6.3 in) long and weighs 26 to 33 g (0.92 to 1.2 oz). The species is sexually dimorphic. Adult males are mostly glossy blue-black. They have the eponymous red patch in the center of their crown, though it is usually hidden except during a display. They sometimes have a white patch on the scapulars that also is seldom visible. Their underwing coverts are white and show well in flight. Adult females have a grayish head. Their upperparts and wings are rufous-brown and their rump, uppertail coverts, and tail are more rufescent. Their throat is pale yellowish buff and the rest of their underparts a darker yellowish... Wikipedia →