Scarlet-rumped Tanager

The Scarlet-rumped Tanager, known scientifically as Ramphocelus passerinii, is a medium-sized passerine bird adorned with a striking plumage. The male of the species boasts a predominantly black body contrasted by a vivid scarlet rump, a silvery bill, and a dark red iris. The female, however, presents a more subdued palette with a grey head, olive upperparts that brighten towards the rump, brownish wings and tail, and ochre underparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the Scarlet-rumped Tanager, look for the male's unmistakable black body and red rump. The female can be recognized by her grey head and the gradient of olive to brighter hues on her back, culminating in a paler rump. Both sexes have a distinctive silvery bill, aiding in their identification.

Habitat

These tanagers favor semi-open environments, thriving in areas such as light second growth, woodland edges, gardens, and pastures dotted with bushes. They are commonly found from sea level up to 1200 meters, occasionally venturing up to 1700 meters.

Distribution

The Scarlet-rumped Tanager is a resident breeder in the Caribbean lowlands, with its range extending from southern Mexico to western Panama.

Behaviour

Passerini's Tanagers are social birds, often seen in pairs or small groups. They may also join mixed-species feeding flocks. At night, they roost in dense thickets, sometimes congregating in groups of up to a dozen.

Song & Calls

The call of the Passerini's Tanager is a sharp "wac," while its song is composed of clear, pleasant notes delivered in shorter phrases compared to its Pacific relative.

Breeding

The Scarlet-rumped Tanager constructs a cup nest up to 6 meters high in a tree. The typical clutch consists of two pale blue or grey eggs adorned with black, brown, or lilac markings. This species is known to raise two broods within a single season.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Scarlet-rumped Tanager primarily includes small fruits, such as those of the Trophis racemosa, which are usually swallowed whole. They also feed on insects and spiders, foraging for these delicacies in their preferred habitats.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Scarlet-rumped Tanager as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.