Diademed Tanager

Overview

The diademed tanager (Stephanophorus diadematus) is a Neotropical bird in the family Thraupidae and the sole member of the genus Stephanophorus. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• On average, 19 cm long and weighing between 35 and 41.5 g.
• Mostly dark glossy bluish-violet plumage, which often appears dull blackish in poor light.
• A black face extending from the crown to the chin, creating a distinct 'mask' appearance.
• White crown featuring a small red patch anteriorly.

Habitat

Found in southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, all of Uruguay, and far northeastern Argentina. It inhabits diverse forested environments such as riparian forests, Araucaria conifer forests, scrubland adjacent to marshes, and man-made habitats like gardens. While generally a lowland species, it is restricted to highlands in Rio de Janeiro.

Diet

Primarily frugivorous, but supplements its diet with flowers, insects, and the honeydew produced by plant lice. Foraging occurs in pairs or small flocks that are part of larger mixed-species groups.

Did you know?

The bird's scientific name Stephanophorus combines the Ancient Greek 'stephanē', meaning diadem, and '-phoros', meaning carrying, reflecting its distinctive white crown with a red patch.