In the lush forests of southeastern Brazil, a unique and critically endangered bird captures the hearts of conservationists and bird enthusiasts alike. Meet the cherry-throated tanager, a species facing the brink of extinction but also holding the promise of survival.
The cherry-throated tanager is characterized by its stunning cherry-red color patch on the throat, which can vary in size. With a wide black mask stretching from its forehead across the eyes and meeting at the nape, the bird presents a striking appearance. A small white line above the black mask gives the illusion of a white forehead when viewed from the front. Its upper sides are adorned with ash grey feathers, while the back is darker, creating a beautiful contrast. The square-tipped tail and wings boast a captivating black hue with a touch of blue iridescence on the primary and secondary wing coverts. The uppertail coverts are also black, elongated, and tipped in white, adding to the bird’s allure. Completing its picturesque look are its white belly, pink feet, and yellow eyes.
Endemic to Brazil, the cherry-throated tanager can be found in the southeastern state of Espírito Santo, specifically at Fazenda Pindobas and Mata do Caetés. Its preferred habitat is the humid canopy of forested areas situated at elevations between 850 to 1,250 meters.
Feeding predominantly on small invertebrates like caterpillars, butterflies, ants, and other arthropods, the bird’s breeding habits remain somewhat of a mystery. It is believed that they breed between October and January, with the female laying a clutch of three to five eggs. Incubation takes around 10 to 13 days, and the chicks usually fledge in approximately 8 to 11 days in similar species.
Tragically, the cherry-throated tanager is classified as critically endangered by BirdLife International. The estimated population of this species ranges from a mere 30 to 200 adult birds, and its distribution size is a tiny 31 square kilometers (12 sq mi). Presently, only about 14 to 20 individuals are known, some of them being juveniles. However, the fact that this exceedingly rare bird has managed to persist for over 100 years suggests the possibility of undiscovered populations. Nevertheless, the primary threat to its survival lies in deforestation, which results in the fragmentation of its habitat. As the forests shrink, they may no longer provide a viable living space for this species. While the cherry-throated tanager was already scarce even before widespread habitat destruction, the reasons for its rarity remain unknown.
It is crucial to raise awareness about the plight of the cherry-throated tanager and its vulnerable status. Conservation efforts should be intensified to study the bird and its habitat in greater detail, with the ultimate goal of developing strategies to safeguard this beautiful creature. Through proactive measures and dedicated conservation initiatives, we can ensure that the cherry-throated tanager perseveres and thrives for generations to come.
