The crimson-backed tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela, and introduced to French Polynesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest. A nickname in Panama is sangre de toro.
Region
Panama to northern South America; introduced in the Society Islands (French Polynesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs from Panama into Colombia and northwestern Venezuela, favoring humid lowland and foothill zones. It is common along forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and gardens, and readily uses disturbed habitats. In French Polynesia it occupies suburban parks and shrubby hillsides. It tends to concentrate around fruiting trees and edge thickets, often near watercourses.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Known locally in Panama as 'sangre de toro' ('bull’s blood') for the male’s deep crimson hue. It adapts well to edges and gardens and has been introduced to French Polynesia, where it is now established. Males and females look quite different, with females much duller and brownish. These tanagers are frequent visitors to fruiting trees and feeders.
female R. d. isthmicus, Panama City
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks along edges. Builds a small cup nest low to mid-level in dense vegetation; clutch typically two eggs. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls include sharp metallic 'tsip' notes and dry chatters. The song is a simple series of thin, buzzy whistles and trills, delivered from exposed perches, with frequent call-and-response between mates.
Plumage
Male with velvety deep crimson back and underparts contrasting with black wings and tail; bill shows a pale bluish tone with darker tip. Female is dusky brown with a dull reddish lower back and rump, and darker wings and tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on soft fruits and berries, supplementing with insects and spiders gleaned from foliage. Will take nectar occasionally and visits fruiting and flowering shrubs in gardens. Forages deliberately through the midstory and canopy, often returning repeatedly to productive trees.
Preferred Environment
Forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and urban gardens where fruiting plants are abundant. Frequently uses hedgerows and thickets along streams and clearings.
