Crimson-backed Tanager
Ramphocelus dimidiatus
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
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
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Displays considerable agility through quick, precise movements whilst foraging and hopping along branches. Their ability to navigate mid to lower canopy levels and participate in active courtship flights demonstrates strong aerial manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small tanager weighing only 28-35g, their strength is modest. Whilst capable of handling fruits and small prey, they aren't built for powerful activities. Their lightweight frame is optimised for agile movement rather than force.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows remarkable adaptability by thriving in various habitats from pristine forests to disturbed areas, gardens, and plantations. Successfully maintains populations across different elevations up to 1,700m and readily joins mixed-species flocks, demonstrating behavioural flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst generally peaceful, they display moderate territorial behaviour during breeding season. Their bold and curious nature towards humans suggests confidence rather than aggression, though they will defend nesting sites when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates decent endurance through sustained foraging activities and ability to maintain territories. Their year-round residency in tropical climates requires consistent energy expenditure, though they aren't long-distance migrants, which would demand exceptional endurance.
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.
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
Predators
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.
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
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