The scarlet-rumped tanager is a medium-sized passerine bird. This tanager is a resident breeder in the Caribbean lowlands from southern Mexico to western Panama. This species was formerly known as the scarlet-rumped tanager, but was renamed to Passerini's Tanager after Carlo Passerini, a professor at the Museum of Zoology of the University of Florence, when the distinctive form found on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama was reclassified as a separate species, the Cherrie's tanager, Ramphocelus costaricensis. While most authorities had accepted this split, there were notable exceptions. It was renamed back to the scarlet-rumped tanager in 2018 when Cherrie's Tanager was lumped back into the species.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Caribbean lowlands from southern Mexico south through Costa Rica to western Panama, with Pacific-slope populations in southern Costa Rica and adjacent Panama. It favors humid lowland and foothill habitats, especially forest edges, second growth, plantations, and gardens. Often follows riparian corridors and disturbed areas where fruiting shrubs are abundant. Readily visits human settlements to feed on bananas and other soft fruits.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking tanager is common at fruiting trees and garden feeders across much of Central America. Males are jet-black with a blazing scarlet rump, while females are dusky-olive with warmer underparts and a reddish rump. The species unites Caribbean- and Pacific-slope forms that differ subtly in tone and bill color. Pairs often keep close contact with soft calls as they forage.
Female in Costa Rica
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks along edges. Builds a delicate cup nest low in shrubs or small trees, where the female typically lays two lightly speckled eggs. Parents cooperate in feeding the young and remain vocal near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a loose, musical jumble of clear whistles and twitters. Calls include sharp tsip notes and buzzy chatters used to keep contact while foraging.
