Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #37

By Jim Gain

6/13/2023

• Scientific Name: Habia fuscicauda
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Piranga Hormiguera Garganta Roja
• Name in Mayan: X jeret
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: RTAT
• Family: Cardinalidae – Cardinals and Allies
• Order: Passeriformes – Perching Birds

About this Species

The Red-throated Ant-Tanager (Habia fuscicauda) is a small bird species that can be found in Belize, as well as in other parts of Central America and northern South America. These birds are known for their distinctively colored plumage, with the males sporting a vibrant red throat, gray head, and brownish back and wings, while the females are more subdued with brownish-gray plumage overall.

Red-throated Ant-Tanagers inhabit a range of forested habitats, from humid lowland forests to montane forests at higher elevations. They can also be found in secondary growth and riparian areas. These birds primarily feed on insects (ants) and other small invertebrates, which they forage for in the understory and midstory of the forest. They may also occasionally consume fruits and berries.

During the breeding season, which typically occurs between March and July, Red-throated Ant-Tanagers form monogamous pairs and build cup-shaped nests out of vegetation, which are often placed in low vegetation or vines. The female lays 2-3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around two weeks. The chicks fledge after about 10 days and are cared for by their parents for several more weeks before becoming independent.

>> Next Post on Friday, 6/16/2023 – Collared Trogon

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin