Yellow-backed Tanager, Hemithraupis flavicollis, is a South American bird found in the countries of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. This medium-sized tanager belongs to the family Thraupidae and is known for its striking coloration and beautiful song.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the identification, plumages, and molts of this stunning bird.
Identification
The Yellow-backed Tanager has a distinct appearance that makes it easy to identify. The male has a bright yellow back, rump, and belly, with a black face, wings, and tail.
The female, on the other hand, has a duller olive-yellow back, rump, and belly, with a similar black face, wings, and tail. Both genders have a bright yellow collar, which gives the species its name.
The bill is thick and black, and the eyes are dark brown. The Yellow-backed Tanager has a length of around 15cm and a wingspan of approximately 25cm.
Field
Identification
In the field, the Yellow-backed Tanager can be identified by its bright yellow back and belly, black wings, tail, and face, and thick black bill. The species can often be found in the canopy of trees and may be seen in small flocks.
The song is a series of short, sweet notes that are often repeated in a distinct, rhythmic pattern.
Similar Species
The Yellow-backed Tanager is similar in appearance to the similarly named Yellow-collared Tanager, but the latter has a brighter yellow collar and more extensive yellow coloring on the wings and tail. The Blue-and-yellow Tanager is larger and has a more extensive blue coloring on the wings and tail.
The Green-headed Tanager has a green head and back, with a bright yellow belly.
Plumages
The Yellow-backed Tanager has three main plumages: breeding, non-breeding, and juvenile. Breeding: The breeding plumage of the male is vibrant with bright yellow back, belly, and rump, with a contrasting black face, wings, and tail.
The female has an olive-yellow back, belly, and rump, with a similar black face, wings, and tail. Non-breeding: The non-breeding plumage of the Yellow-backed Tanager is duller with less bright yellow coloring on the back, belly, and rump.
The black feathers may also be less defined. Juvenile: The juvenile Yellow-backed Tanager has a duller appearance than the adult, with less bright yellow and more olive-green coloring.
The face, wings, and tail may also be less black.
Molts
The Yellow-backed Tanager undergoes both partial and complete molts during the year. The partial molt involves the replacement of feathers on the wings and tail, while the complete molt involves a renewal of all feathers, including the body feathers.
The timing of the molts varies depending on the location and climate. In conclusion, the Yellow-backed Tanager is a brightly colored bird that can be found in the forests of South America.
Its striking coloration and beautiful song make it a popular species for birders and nature enthusiasts to spot. By identifying the field characteristics, plumages, and molts of this species, you can deepen your understanding and appreciation of this stunning bird.
Systematics History
The Yellow-backed Tanager, Hemithraupis flavicollis, was first described by the renowned French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1817. Since then, this species has undergone multiple taxonomic revisions, which have led to changes in its classification and nomenclature.
Geographic Variation
The geographic distribution of the Yellow-backed Tanager extends from eastern Bolivia, eastern Paraguay, north-eastern Argentina, and south-eastern Brazil. There are notable differences in plumage and morphology between populations across this range, indicating a degree of geographic variation.
Subspecies
Currently, there are four recognized subspecies of the Yellow-backed Tanager. These include:
– H.
f. luteicapilla: This subspecies occurs in the northeast of Brazil.
– H. f.
macconnelli: This subspecies is restricted to the Guiana Shield region of northern South America. – H.
f. roraimae: This subspecies is found in the tepuis of northeastern Venezuela, Guyana, and northern Brazil.
– H. f.
striata: This subspecies is distributed from southern Brazil to eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina.
Related Species
The Yellow-backed Tanager belongs to the genus Hemithraupis in the family Thraupidae. There are ten other species currently recognized in this genus, including:
– Black-capped Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis atricapilla
– White-bellied Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis guira
– Red-billed Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis flavicollis
– Chestnut-vented Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis kienerii
– White-striped Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis araujoi
– Gray-headed Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis griseiceps
– Golden-naped Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis axillaris
– Tawny-breasted Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis xanthogaster
– Flame-crested Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis berlepschi
– White-browed Hemithraupis, Hemithraupis auricularis
Historical Changes to Distribution
Historically, the Yellow-backed Tanager’s distribution may have extended further eastward into the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, as evidenced by fossil findings and historical records. However, deforestation and habitat destruction have led to the species’ contraction, and in many areas, local extinctions.
In the early 20th century, the Yellow-backed Tanager became a popular target of the cage-bird trade in Brazil. As a result, populations rapidly declined.
Fortunately, a Brazilian law was passed in 1967, banning the capture, trade, and possession of wild birds, which helped to reduce the pressure on wild populations. Today, the Yellow-backed Tanager is considered to be of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
However, localized declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation remain a concern. In conclusion, the Yellow-backed Tanager has undergone taxonomic revisions since it was first described in 1817.
Four subspecies have been recognized, each with distinct geographic ranges and characteristics. The species is related to ten other species within the genus Hemithraupis.
Historical changes to distribution have been driven by habitat loss and deforestation, as well as pressure from the cage-bird trade. Although currently not at risk of extinction, localized declines due to habitat loss continue to be a concern for this species.