Saltator

Saltator is a genus of songbirds of the Americas. They are traditionally placed in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae) but now seem to be closer to tanagers (Thraupidae). Their English name is also saltator, except for two dark species known by the more general grosbeak.

Saltator is Latin for "leaper" or "dancer". Louis Vieillot applied it to this genus because of the heavy way the birds hop on the ground.