Crimson-backed tanager

Ramphocelus dimidiatus

The crimson-backed tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.

Family: Thraupidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern

About the Crimson-backed tanager

The crimson-backed tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) 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 ("Blood of the bull"). The crimson-backed tanager was first described by French naturalist Frédéric de Lafresnaye in 1837. It is one of nine species of brightly coloured tanagers of the genus Ramphocelus. Mitochondrial DNA evidence indicates its closest relative is the masked crimson tanager (R. nigrogularis), and the two split around 800,000 years ago. Measuring around 18 cm (7.1 in) in length, the adult male has a silver sheen on its lower mandible. Its whole head

Fun Facts About Crimson-backed tanager

Measuring around 18 cm (7.1 in) in length, the adult male has a silver sheen on its lower mandible.
nigrogularis), and the two split around 800,000 years ago.
The crimson-backed tanager was first described by French naturalist Frédéric de Lafresnaye in 1837.
The female is duller with blackish underparts.
Its whole head and chest are a maroon red, brightening to a bright red on its lower back and abdomen.

Conservation Status

The Crimson-backed tanager is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	passerines
Family	Thraupidae
Genus	Ramphocelus
Species	Ramphocelus dimidiatus

Range & Habitat