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Photo: © Luis A. Materón
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Crimson-backed Tanager

Ramphocelus dimidiatus
Toche Pico-de-plata
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Song

Crimson-backed Tanager

Appearance: The Crimson-backed Tanager is a striking bird species found in Colombia. It has a black body with a bright crimson red back, giving it a nice appearance.
Habitat: These tanagers are found in humid forests and forest edges, as well as in coffee plantations and gardens. They are often seen foraging for fruits, insects, and nectar in the canopy of trees.
Behavior: Crimson-backed Tanagers are known for their social behavior, often forming small flocks with other bird species. They are also known for their melodious songs and calls.
Breeding: The Breeding season for Crimson-backed Tanagers occurs from March to June. They build cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation and lay 2-3 eggs at a time.
Conservation Status: The Crimson-backed Tanager is considered to be of Least Concern in terms of conservation status per the IUCN.
MALE
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Photo: © Luis A. Materón
FEMALE
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Photo : © Illustration by Hilary Burn

Distribution

The Crimson-backed Tanager  is  found in the northern regions including the Caribbean coast, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and the Magdalena River valley. It is found in the western region of Colombia, particularly in eastern region of the Chocó biogeographic region. The species is less commonly found in the central and eastern regions of the country.

Taxonomy

The Crimson-backed Tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Ramphocelus 
  • Species: Ramphocelus dimidiatus

Vocalization

The Crimson-backed Tanager has a melodious and flute-like song consisting of clear whistles and trills. Its vocalization is often described as sweet and musical, with a series of high-pitched notes that rise and fall in a pleasing pattern. The song is used to communicate with other members of its species and to establish territory.