The lemon-rumped tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the flame-rumped tanager. It is found from Panama to Ecuador. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Chocó biogeographic region
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Panama through western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador, mostly on the Pacific slope. Prefers subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, edges, and second growth, and is also found in plantations and gardens. It often uses forest gaps and riverine corridors where fruiting shrubs and trees are abundant. Tolerant of disturbed habitats and heavily degraded former forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Sometimes treated as a subspecies of the flame-rumped tanager, this form is often recognized as a full species due to distinct plumage and range on the Pacific slope. The male’s brilliant lemon-yellow rump is highly visible in the dim light of humid forests and is used in social signaling. It readily visits fruiting trees and can appear at garden feeders within its range.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the low to mid-canopy. Breeding pairs build a small cup nest in shrubs or low trees, typically laying two eggs. Both sexes participate in feeding the young, and family groups may stay together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple, sweet series of whistles and twitters delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chips and metallic notes, often given during group foraging.
Plumage
Male is glossy black with a bright lemon-yellow rump and lower back; female is duller olive-brown to grayish with a yellow rump and paler underparts. Feathers are smooth with minimal streaking, giving a clean contrast between dark body and vivid rump.
Diet
Feeds primarily on soft fruits and berries, supplementing with insects and other small arthropods. Will glean from foliage and make short sallies to snatch prey. It also consumes nectar occasionally and takes advantage of cultivated fruits in gardens and plantations.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest edges, secondary growth, and fruiting trees in clearings and along roads. Often visits early-successional shrubs and canopy fruit crops where food is abundant.
