The bird essentially remained known only from this single specimen for more than 100 years.
The theory that cherry-throated tanagers are hybrids between hooded and rufous-headed tanagers (Sibley 1996) was discussed by Scott (1997) who tentatively rejected it, but some even were convinced that the type specimen is an artifact composed from skins of other species (Silveira fide Bauer et al. 2000).