Image Source: ©[Thommy Ting] from Getty Images via Canva Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Animalia Passeriformes Nesospingidae Nesospingus Nesospingus speculiferus
The Puerto Rican Tanager (Nesospingus speculiferus ) is an olive-brown 18-20 cm insectivorous songbird restricted to mountain rainforests
Common Name(s) : Puerto Rican Tanager, LlorosaFamily : FringillidaeBody Dimensions : 18–20 cmMale Plumage Color(s) : Olive-Brown With Gray-White UnderpartsFemale Plumage Color(s) : Olive-Brown With Gray-White UnderpartsHabitat : RainforestsDiet : Fruit, Insects, Frogs, Lizards Native Countries : Puerto RicoContinent(s) : North AmericaTaxonomy Classification Year : 1875Taxonomist(s) : George Newbold Lawrence
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Puerto Rican Tanager Fun Facts
Nicknamed “the cryer ” for its distinctive vocalizations, these endemic sports a white-streaked breast and bold white wing patches. Often leading mixed flocks foraging through the canopy, the Puerto Rican Tanager supplements its diet of spiders Breeding January-July, territorial pairs construct intricate cup nests lined with feathers and palm fibers placed high in branches. Typical clutch size numbers just 2-3 elliptical cream-colored eggs swirled in russet. Threats from native owl predators and habitat loss constrict remaining populations to fragments along the central Cordillera mountains . Once more widespread through shady broadleaf mid-elevation forests, logging, and agriculture largely erased lower population strongholds. The Puerto Rican Tanager now only endures in protected preserves like Maricao State Forest and higher peaks offering sanctuary. However, even these habitats stand jeopardized by climate change and encroaching human infrastructure as conditions warm[1] . Listed[2] as Vulnerable with an ongoing population decline, the Puerto Rican Tanager’s limited range and specialized needs underscore the importance of maintaining humidity and tree cover through intact corridors –the keys to this species’ survival. Protecting precious montane cloud forest refuges to shelter the crying tanager remains Puerto Rico’s solemn responsibility as steward of such exceptionally rare endemic birds
Cite This Page
[1] – “Short-term effects of hurricanes Maria and Irma on forest birds of Puerto Rico – PMC” . Accessed December 27,2023. Link .[2] – “IUCN Red List of Threatened Species” . Accessed December 27, 2023. Link .
