The red-shouldered tanager (Tachyphonus phoenicius) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland.

Etymology and Taxonomy

The binomial name is derived from Greek; the genus name Tachyphonus is from the words takhus meaning fast, and phone meaning sound or voice, which translates “fast speaking”. The species name phoenicius means “crimson, dark red”.

The species is currently monotypic.

Description and Distribution

The red-shouldered tanager is 15cm (5.9in) in length and weighs 17–25g (0.60–0.88oz). The male is a glossy blue-black color with a small amount of red and white coloration on the wing. The female's tail and wing are a brownish-gray, with gray to white coloration from the throat to underparts.

It occurs at elevations up to 2,000m (6,600ft) in Venezuela.

Behavior

The bird feeds on small fruits and arthropods. Breeding takes place from February to March in Suriname, the nest is a grassy cup constructed on the ground. It lays 1–2 greyish, spotted eggs that are blotched brown on the larger end.