The red-headed tanager is a medium-sized American songbird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks, endemic to Mexico. Comprising two subspecies, it is around 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Males have predominantly yellow-olive plumage with a red head and throat and females have yellow forecrowns.
Region
Pacific slope of Mexico
Typical Environment
Endemic to western and southwestern Mexico, primarily along the Pacific slope from at least Sinaloa and Nayarit south through Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, and into Oaxaca. It favors pine–oak and evergreen montane forests, edges, and mature second growth. The species uses forest edges, riparian corridors, and semi-open woodlands with tall trees for foraging. It is most often encountered in the middle to upper canopy and may persist in selectively logged habitats if large trees remain.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its common name, the red-headed tanager is now placed in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae), not the true tanagers. Males are striking with a red head and throat contrasting with yellow-olive body plumage, while females are more subdued with a yellow forecrown. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy and is largely sedentary within its Mexican range. Two recognized subspecies vary subtly in tone and extent of red.
Temperament
active and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Often seen alone, in pairs, or loosely associated with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Monogamous pairs defend small breeding territories and nest high in trees in a cup of fine twigs and fibers. Both parents participate in provisioning nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, fluid series of warbling phrases reminiscent of other Piranga tanagers, delivered from mid to upper canopy perches. Calls include a sharp pit or chup note and softer contact chips given while foraging.
Plumage
Male with vivid red head and throat contrasting with yellow-olive body and olive-green back; wings and tail duskier with faint pale edging. Female mainly olive-yellow with a yellow forecrown, duller wings, and less contrast overall. Both sexes show clean underparts tending yellowish to olive and a stout, slightly decurved bill.
Diet
Takes a variety of arthropods including beetles, caterpillars, and other insects gleaned from foliage and twigs. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy of pine–oak and evergreen forests, along edges, and in tall second growth. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks to exploit insect flushes and fruiting trees.
