Scientific name Thraupis Phylum Chordata Order Passerine | Family Thraupidae Higher classification Tanager Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications Sayaca tanager, Blue‑gray tanager, Palm tanager, Azure‑shouldered tanager, Golden‑chevroned tanager | ||
Thraupis episcopus blue tanager bluebird
Thraupis is a genus of birds of the tanager family occurring from Mexico to Argentina. Some are familiar species with large ranges. As currently defined the genus includes 9 species, but this includes species from two separate clades. Consequently, the genus is paraphyletic and two species (T. cyanocephala and T. bonariensis) are likely to eventually be moved to another genus.
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These tanagers are mainly found in semi-open habitats including plantations and open woodland, but some will venture into towns. They feed from medium to high levels in trees, taking mainly fruit, with some nectar, and insects which may be taken in flight.
The pair builds a usually well concealed cup nest, but the female incubates alone. The blue-gray and palm tanagers will nest in buildings.
Thraupis tanagers have squeaky call notes and songs which consist of 5-10 repetitions of a single or double note.
Species in taxonomic order
