Saltator is a genus of passerine birds in the tanager family Thraupidae that are found in Central and South America. They have thick bills, relatively long tails and strong legs and feet.
Before the introduction of molecular genetic methods in the 21st century these species were placed in the cardinal family Cardinalidae.
The saltators were traditionally grouped with the cardinals, either in the subfamily Cardinalinae within an expanded Emberizidae[5] or in a separate family Cardinalidae.[6] Molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that the saltators are embedded within the tanager family Thraupidae. Within the Thraupidae the genus Saltator is now placed with the genus Saltatricula in the subfamily Saltatorinae. The relationship of the subfamily to the other subfamilies within the Thraupidae is uncertain.[7][8]
the Amazon in South America, but it is also found in forests of the Chocó in Ecuador and Colombia, and southern Central America from Panama to Honduras.
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay
The rufous-bellied mountain saltator was formerly a member of this genus. It is now placed in the subfamily Thraupinae and is the only member of the genus Pseudosaltator. Its common name has been changed to rufous-bellied mountain tanager.[8] The black-throated saltator was also formerly assigned to this genus. It is now placed together with the many-colored Chaco finch in the genus Saltatricula as the two species form a divergent clade that is sister to the other members of Saltator.[8]
References
^"Thraupidae". aviansystematics.org. The Trust for Avian Systematics. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
Chaves, J.A.; Hidalgo, J.R.; Klicka, J. (2013). "Biogeography and evolutionary history of the Neotropical genus Saltator (Aves: Thraupini)". Journal of Biogeography. 40 (11): 2180–2190. Bibcode:2013JBiog..40.2180C. doi:10.1111/jbi.12150. S2CID86476462.