The rose-throated tanager is a medium-sized songbird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks. Endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula in Central America, it is found in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. The male has greyish plumage with a deep rose throat and crown, while the female is similar but for a yellow crown and throat.
Region
Yucatán Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland dry forest, semi-deciduous woodland, thorn scrub, and second-growth thickets across the Yucatán Peninsula, including parts of Mexico, Belize, and northern Guatemala. Prefers forest edges, clearings, and scrubby limestone habitats with a relatively open midstory. It often forages from the lower canopy to mid-levels and will use regenerating habitats. Human-modified edges and small patches of woodland may also be used where cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, the rose-throated tanager belongs to the cardinal family (Cardinalidae), not the true tanagers. It shows strong sexual dichromatism: males have a striking rose-colored throat and crown, while females replace these with yellow. It is a Yucatán Peninsula endemic, favoring lowland dry and semi-deciduous forests. The species is generally unobtrusive, often detected by its sweet, thin whistles.
Temperament
quiet and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Pairs defend territories during the breeding season. The nest is a small cup placed in a tree or shrub, and both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, sweet, whistled notes delivered at a measured pace. Calls include soft chup or tik notes used for contact. Vocalizations carry modestly through open woodland.
