The Cherry-Throated Tanager: A Feathered Phantom of the Atlantic Forest

If I told you there was a bird so elusive it makes Bigfoot look like a social butterfly, you’d probably raise an eyebrow, right? Meet the cherry-throated tanager (Nemosia rourei), a critically endangered gem of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil with a backstory worthy of a dramatic saga—complete with an unintentional century-long game of hide and seek.

Described back in the 1870s, this dapper little bird strutted its stuff in vibrant gray, black, and white plumage, topped off with a distinctive fiery red throat patch. Perfectly dashing, wouldn’t you say? But here’s the kicker: after its first debut, this charismatic creature was MIA for over 100 years, leading many to believe it had shuffled off this mortal coil. The world was left to ponder whether this feathery heartthrob had vanished forever, turning its existence into one of nature’s great unsolved mysteries.

As luck would have it, the otherworldly cherry-throated tanager was rediscovered in 1998, almost as if it had been lounging on a tropical beach sipping fruit smoothies the whole time. To further add to its mystique, the population has been on a downward spiral—by the end of 2023, only about 20 individuals were spotted with an estimated total of fewer than 50 left in the wild. It’s the ultimate comeback story that’s also a real nail-biter.

Rugged old-growth rainforests are this bird’s preferred stomping grounds, but with rampant deforestation eating away at its lush habitat faster than you can say “environmental disaster,” the tanager’s future looks precarious. In 2018, conservationists estimated that these birds were confined to a mere 31 square kilometers (12 square miles) of their once expansive domain. That’s about the size of a cozy neighborhood, but rather unfortunate for a flock that thrives on social interactions.

Speaking of which, the cherry-throated tanager lives life in the fast lane—well, as fast as a bird can get. These chirpy fellows often gather in flocks of up to eight, proving that even birds understand the value of a good social circle. It’s not all fun and games, though; they breed just once a year, crafting nests out of beard lichen and spider webs—talk about a DIY project! Their nests, typically featuring a couple of eggs, are like vacation rentals—cozy, natural, and a bit tough to get.

Can we take a moment to appreciate those striking yellow or dark amber eyes? They don’t just come with a black face mask for dramatic effect; they are the ultimate winged fashion statement. And, as if to solidify their star status, these birds are known for their loud and clear calls that can carry far and wide—proving that their personalities are as bold as their plumage.

So, the cherry-throated tanager, once thought to be lost forever, now captivates our hearts and raises our eyebrows. Let’s hope for better days ahead for these symbolic creatures of the rainforest, as conservation efforts work tirelessly to keep them from becoming a ghost of their former selves. After all, they deserve their moment in the limelight—this time for good!

Wikipedia article of the day is “The Cherry-Throated Tanager”.
Check it out: Article-Link