The hepatic tanager is a medium-sized American songbird. Formerly placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae), it and other members of the genus Piranga are now classified in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae).
Region
Southwestern United States and Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Breeds locally in the mountains of the southwestern United States and through the highlands of Mexico south to Central America. It primarily inhabits pine-oak, mixed conifer, and montane evergreen forests, often near forest edges and along canyons or ravines. Birds may descend to lower elevations in winter and use adjacent second-growth or semi-open woodland. In some parts of its range it joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season.
Altitude Range
1000–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The hepatic tanager is a medium-sized American songbird now placed with the cardinals (Cardinalidae), not the true tanagers. Males are a brick, liver-red while females are olive-yellow, both with a subtle grayish cheek patch. It favors pine-oak and montane conifer forests and often forages methodically in the mid to upper canopy. Northern populations make seasonal movements, while many birds in Mexico and Central America are resident.
Temperament
quiet and deliberate
Flight Pattern
direct with short, purposeful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season and is thought to be monogamous. Nests are cup-shaped and placed on horizontal branches in conifers or oaks. Outside breeding, small groups may join mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A rich, burry warble with mellow, hoarse phrases reminiscent of a Summer Tanager but lower and rougher. Calls include a sharp, metallic chip or chink used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Males are uniform brick-red with a contrasting grayish ear/cheek patch and dusky wings; females are olive-yellow to yellowish with a similar grayish face. Both sexes are fairly plain-bodied with a stout, thick bill and generally lack bold wingbars.
Diet
Takes a wide range of arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, which it gleans from foliage and bark. Also consumes fruits and berries seasonally, especially in the non-breeding period. Occasionally sallies to catch flying insects from exposed perches. Opportunistic feeding allows it to use both natural and semi-open habitats.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy of pine-oak and mixed conifer forests, along edges, and in canyons. Will also use second-growth and semi-open woodland with scattered trees and fruiting shrubs.
