The family Thraupidae includes 6 species found in North America.

Tanagers are among the most colorful and vibrant of the New World birds. Tanagers have relatively thick bills; bill shape is related to feeding behavior. Tanagers eat mostly fruit and insects. They are found in forested and shrubby habitat in North and South America. The female takes the lead in nest-building. They typically lay 2-4 eggs in a cup-shaped nest. Incubation is by the female. Both sexes tend the young.