Species Profile
Crimson-backed Tanager
Ramphocelus dimidiatus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–8 years
Length
16–18 cm
Weight
28–35 g
Wingspan
25–28 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Crimson-backed Flame-rumped Tanager
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Appearance
The Crimson-backed Tanager is a striking small bird with vibrant plumage. Males display a brilliant crimson back, rump, and underparts, contrasting sharply with their black wings, tail, and head. The silvery sheen on their throat adds a distinctive touch.
Females are less vivid, with a reddish-brown back and rump and duller underparts. Juveniles resemble females but have an even more subdued colouration, gradually developing adult plumage over time.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Red
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Duller overall colouration with reddish-brown back and rump
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Crimson-backed Tanagers inhabit tropical and subtropical regions of northwestern South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama. They have also been successfully introduced to French Polynesia. They thrive in lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth woodlands.
These birds are year-round residents in their range, showing no significant seasonal movements. They adapt well to disturbed habitats and can be found in gardens and plantations adjacent to forested areas.
Distribution
Diet
The Crimson-backed Tanager primarily feeds on a variety of fruits, particularly berries and small drupes. They supplement their diet with insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season when protein-rich food is crucial for nestling development.
These birds often forage in mixed-species flocks.
Behaviour
Crimson-backed Tanagers are often seen in pairs or small groups, actively foraging in the mid to lower levels of trees and shrubs. They hop along branches, plucking fruits and insects with quick, precise movements.
These birds are known for their bold and curious nature, sometimes approaching human observers in their habitat.
Calls & Sounds
The Crimson-backed Tanager's vocal repertoire includes a variety of high-pitched calls. Their most common vocalisation is a sharp, metallic 'tsip' or 'tseep' often repeated in quick succession.
During courtship, males produce a series of warbling notes, creating a simple yet melodious song that sounds like 'tsee-tsee-tsurr-tsurr'.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Crimson-backed Tanagers typically occurs during the rainy season, which varies across their range. Pairs engage in courtship displays involving wing-fluttering and chasing flights.
The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using plant fibres, leaves, and spider webs, usually placed in the fork of a tree or shrub. The clutch typically consists of 2-3 pale blue or greenish eggs with dark speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 12-14 days, but remain dependent on the parents for several weeks after that.
Conservation
While the Crimson-backed Tanager is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to deforestation in parts of its range.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving tropical forest habitats and promoting sustainable land-use practices in areas where these birds occur.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for flashes of bright red in the mid-canopy of forests and woodland edges
- Listen for their distinctive, high-pitched 'tsip' calls
- Observe fruiting trees, where these tanagers often gather to feed
- Watch for their characteristic hopping movement along branches
Did You Know?
- The Crimson-backed Tanager's vibrant red colouration comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet.
- These tanagers often join mixed-species foraging flocks, benefiting from increased protection against predators.
- Despite their fruit-heavy diet, they play a crucial role in seed dispersal in tropical ecosystems.
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