Mexican Bird of the Month:

Red-crowned Ant-Tanager
Habia rubica

By Biól. Karen Muñoz

Julio 1, 2026

What is that sound coming from the trees? Keep your ears open and observe carefully, as this month’s bird is usually easier to hear than to see. It is the Red-crowned Ant-tanager (Habia rubica), a shy species that typically remains hidden in the foliage, but gives its presence away with its sharp and distinct calls.

This species is distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina and primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical forests. If you walk carefully along the trails of the Vallarta Botanical Garden, you might be lucky enough to hear it or even spot it among the vegetation.

With a length of approximately 18 cm and a weight of just over 30 grams, the Red-crowned Ant-tanager exhibits a stark sexual dimorphism. The male boasts a dark reddish-brown plumage with a brighter red throat and chest. On its crown, it has a striking scarlet stripe outlined in black, whose feathers can raise when the bird is excited or alert. The female, for her part, displays more discreet tones. Her plumage is a yellowish-brown, with a bright yellow throat and an orange patch on her crown that replaces the male’s characteristic red stripe.

Despite its relatively understated appearance, this species often draws attention with its vocalizations. Additionally, it has the habit of foraging for food among the branches and foliage several meters off the ground, so if you wish to spot it, it is best to look toward the upper levels of the vegetation.

The next time you walk the trails of the Vallarta Botanical Garden, listen closely to the sounds of the forest. You might just discover the Red-crowned Ant-tanager hidden among the leaves, reminding us that some of the most interesting species are not always the easiest to find.