It's monotypic within the genus Compsothraupis.
The species is endemic to Brazil, being almost entirely restricted to the north-eastern region of the country dominated by Caatinga.
It's one of the largest tanagers; 21 cm (8 1?4 in) in length and with a weight of 72.5g.
Known in Brazil as "tie-cabure".
A large tanager found in the dry caatinga ecosystem. Usually found in large groups, and considered by some to belong in the same genus as the Andean [White-capped Tanager].
Africa (entire continent rather than south of Sahara)
AN
Antarctica
AO
Atlantic Ocean
AU
Australasia (Wallacea (Indonesian islands east of Wallace's line), New Guinea and its islands, Australia, New Zealand and its subantarctic islands, the Solomons, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu)
PAL
Eurasia (Europe, Asia from the Middle East through central Asia north of the Himalayas, Siberia and northern China to Japan)
IO
Indian Ocean
LA
Latin America (Middle and South America)
MA
Middle America (Mexico through Panama)
NA
North America (includes the Caribbean)
NO
Northern oceans
OR
Oriental Region (South Asia from Pakistan to Taiwan, plus Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Greater Sundas)