tanager

New World bird of the family Emberizidae, order Passeriformes. There are about 230 species in forests of Central and South America, all brilliantly coloured. They are 10–20 cm/4–8 in long, with plump bodies and conical beaks. The tanagers of North America all belong to the genus Piranga.

Species include the paradise tanager Tangara chilensis. Its plumage has a metallic lustre; the head is sea-green in colour, the breast is violet, and there is a flame-coloured patch on the lower part of the back. It feeds on fruit and insects. The scarlet tanager Piranga olivacea is about 18 cm/7 in long, and has brilliant scarlet plumage in the male with black wings and tail. In autumn its plumage changes to a dull green, like that of the female.