The flame-rumped tanager, also known as sangre de toro lomo de fuego, toche enjalmado or tangara lomiflama, is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to western Colombia, found in semi-open forest and woodland.
Region
Western Andes and Pacific lowlands of Colombia
Typical Environment
Occupies semi-open forest, forest edges, second growth, and rural gardens throughout western Colombia. It is particularly common along rivers, cacao and coffee plantations, and fruiting trees in suburban areas. Birds forage from the midstory to the canopy and readily use disturbed habitats. The species is adaptable and persists in mosaic landscapes with patches of woodland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This tanager is best recognized by its glowing rump, which can be fiery orange-red in the nominate form or lemon-yellow in the icteronotus form; some taxonomies treat the latter as a separate species. It thrives in semi-open habitats and often frequents gardens and plantations, making it a familiar bird in parts of western Colombia. Hybrid zones and intergradation occur where forms meet, creating a range of rump colors.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in edge habitats. Builds a small cup nest in shrubs or low trees; pairs defend a modest territory around the nest. Courtship includes perch displays and presentation of food items.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of soft, sweet whistles and twitters delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chips and thin seep notes, often given while foraging in groups.
Plumage
Male is mostly dark slaty-black with a vivid flame-colored rump; the icteronotus form shows a bright lemon-yellow rump. Female is duller olive-brown to grayish with yellowish rump and paler underparts. Both sexes have a fairly robust, short conical bill and slight gloss on the wings.
Diet
Primarily eats fruit and berries, including those of melastomes, Cecropia, and various cultivated plants. Supplements its diet with insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and taken in brief sallies. Occasionally samples nectar and small seeds, especially when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest edges, secondary growth, hedgerows, and plantations, especially where fruiting trees are abundant. Common in gardens and parks where ornamental and fruit trees provide reliable food.
