The flame-colored tanager, formerly known as the stripe-backed tanager, is a medium-sized American songbird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks. It is found from Mexico throughout Central America to northern Panama and occasionally in the United States; four subspecies are recognized. The flame-colored tanager is 18 to 19 cm long, the male having predominantly red-orange while the female is more yellowish orange.
Region
Mexico and Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the highlands of Mexico south through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and into western Panama. Favors pine–oak, mixed montane, and cloud forests, as well as forest edges, ravines, and semi-open second growth. Frequently uses shade-coffee plantations and wooded gardens near mature forest. Typically keeps to mid- to upper-canopy strata, descending to fruiting trees and flowering shrubs.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The flame-colored tanager is a striking montane songbird of pine–oak and cloud forests from Mexico to western Panama. Males are vivid red-orange while females are yellow-orange, both typically showing pale wingbars and darker streaking on the back. It sometimes hybridizes with Western Tanager where their ranges meet in the highlands of Mexico. The species is often detected by its rich, warbling song and its habit of foraging high in the canopy.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season. Outside breeding, it often joins mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy. The nest is a cup placed on a horizontal branch, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious warble of varied phrases, reminiscent of a robin-like song but with clearer, ringing tones. Calls include sharp pik or chip notes used to keep contact while foraging.
