Tanagers (Thraupidae)

Saffron-crowned Tanager (Tangara xanthocephala) - HBW 16, p. 221

French: Calliste à tête dorée German: Gelbkopftangare Spanish: Tangara Coronigualda

Taxonomy: C.[allospiza] xanthocephala Tschudi, 1844, Vítoc [Valley], Junín, Peru.
Genetic data indicate that this species is part of a monophyletic group that includes also T. johannae, T. schrankii, T. florida, T. arthus, T. icterocephala, T. chrysotis and T. parzudakii. Three subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

  • venusta (P. L. Sclater, 1855) - W Venezuela (both slopes of Sierra de Perijá; Andes from S Lara S to S Táchira), Colombia (both slopes of W & C Andes, locally both slopes of E Andes, and Macarena Mts) and Ecuador (both slopes) S to N & C Peru (E slope of E Andes from Cajamarca S to N Pasco).
  • xanthocephala (Tschudi, 1844) - E slope of Andes in C Peru (Chanchamayo region).
  • lamprotis (P. L. Sclater, 1851) - E slope in SE Peru (Ayacucho and Cuzco) S to Bolivia (to W Santa Cruz).