Crimson-backed Tanager

Ramphocelus dimidiatus

A stunning songbird found in tropical forests with its brilliant red plumage and jet-black wings, making it one of South America's most eye-catching inhabitants.

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Visual Identification

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

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Red Black

Secondary Colour

Brown

Beak Colour

Black Grey

Leg Colour

Black

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown Red

Secondary Colour (Female)

Grey

Beak Colour (Female)

Black

Leg Colour (Female)

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Crimson-backed Tanager can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Crimson-backed Tanager can be found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Crimson-backed Tanager is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Crimson-backed Tanager. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons