Hepatic Tanager

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Hepatic Tanager

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Cardinalidae
Genus:	Piranga
Species:	P. flava

Binomial name

Piranga flava
Vieillot, 1822

The Hepatic Tanager, Piranga flava, is a medium-sized American songbird. Traditionally placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae), it is now thought to be much closer to cardinals (Cardinalidae).

The habits of the Hepatic Tanager are similar to those of the Western Tanager.

Its range includes Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.

It is larger and stockier than other tanagers and has a relatively short tail and a stout bill. Its brightest color is always on its forehead and throat. In all plumages, it has grey flanks, dusky cheeks, and a dark eye streak. The female is yellow, and the male is red. Its average weight is 1.3 oz (38 g). Its average wingspan is 12.5 in (31.8 cm) and length 8 inches (20.3 cm).

Its call is a low, dry chup like the Hermit Thrush. Its song is clearer than other tanagers, and it is like the Black-headed Grosbeak. Its flight call is a husky and rising weet.

[edit] References

Sibley, David (2003). The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. ISBN 0-679-45121-8.
BirdLife International (2004). Piranga flava. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 21 January 2007. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern.