Crimson-backed Tanager
Least ConcernRamphocelus dimidiatus
Visual Identification
Crimson-backed Tanager
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.
Size
Length
16cm to 18cm
Wingspan
25cm to 28cm
Weight
28g to 35g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,700 meters
Climate zones
Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Vocalisation
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.
Lifespan
years
The Crimson-backed Tanager typically lives for 5 to 8 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Crimson-backed Flame-rumped Tanager
Family:
ThraupidaePredators
Main predators include raptors such as hawks and falcons, as well as arboreal snakes and small mammals that may raid nests for eggs and nestlings.
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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References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Ramphocelus dimidiatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22722500A167762422.
View source - 2 3
report, 2019: Partners in Flight