Ant tanagers are
birds of the genus
Habia. These are long-tailed and strong billed birds. The males have a red crest and plumage containing red, brown or sooty hues. Females may resemble the males or be largely yellowish or brown in colour. Formerly placed in the
tanager family (Thraupidae), they are actually closer to
Cardinalis in the
Cardinalidae. Consequently, it can be argued that referring to the members of this genus as ant-tanagers is misleading, but no other
common name has gained usage.