WELCOME TO tanagerbreeders.nl

Tanagers are fruit-eating birds from Central and South America, with a few species found in North America. Their size varies between 9 and 29 cm. Many species capture our imagination with their stunningly vibrant colors, especially those within the Tangara genus.

The family Thraupidae (tanagers) consists of 64 genera, which together encompass 283 species and a total of 788 subspecies. Tanagers primarily eat fruit but also consume insects. Young tanagers are mostly raised on insects, particularly during the first few weeks of life.

Their typically cup-shaped nests contain 2 or 3 eggs, while species in the Chlorophonia and Euphonia genera lay 3 to 5 eggs. In addition to the previously mentioned genera, other well-known tanagers include species from Thraupis, Cyanerpes, Ramphocelus, Tachyphonus, and Dacnis.

On Tanagerbreeders.nl, you’ll find comprehensive information about tanagers: from purchasing to breeding, species profiles, photos, and a marketplace for buying and selling. You’ll also find everything about the Tanager Project, launched in 2015 as the International Tanager Project. New information is added regularly, along with news and updates on various aspects of tanager care and breeding. 

Tangara Seledon  (foto Alex Mulder)

Since the import ban, tanagers have become increasingly rare in private bird collections as well as in zoos. To preserve these beautiful species in our aviaries, it is crucial to breed the birds that are still available. It has been proven that successful breeding is possible, but in practice it doesn’t always happen automatically.

Through this website, we aim to connect enthusiasts and, most importantly, make information accessible to all tanager lovers. In addition to general information, we share as much practical experience as possible. Within the International Tanager Project (ITP), various programs have been set up to secure a future for tanagers in Europe.

Euphonia Pectoralis

Breeding reports are an important source of information for many enthusiasts. For many species, very little breeding information is available, even though successful results have already been achieved with many of them. At the same time, breeding reports serve as proof that tanagers can thrive as aviary birds. This is crucial for preserving as many tanagers as possible for enthusiasts.

Do you have breeding reports or notes from a successful tanager breeding? Share them to help other enthusiasts!

Thraupis Cyanoptera - Azuurschoudertangara

Although tanagers have been kept for many years, there is very little Dutch-language literature on keeping them in captivity. The Handbook of the Birds of the World, for example, is an English-language book that describes and illustrates all species in considerable detail — an absolute must for any enthusiast.

However, as a breeder, you will likely benefit more from information based on the experiences of other breeders. On this website, we aim to compile a list of species profiles. Some of this information will be based on the species’ natural history, while other parts will come from the experiences of keepers and breeders.

Have you kept or even bred a particular species? You can contribute to our species profiles and have your information featured on the website.