Crimson-backed tanager facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crimson-backed tanager |
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| Male R. d. isthmicus, Panama | |
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| female R. d. molochinus, Colombia | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ramphocelus
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| Species: |
dimidiatus
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The crimson-backed tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) is a beautiful bird known for its bright red feathers. It belongs to the Thraupidae family, which includes many colorful tanager species. You can find this bird in countries like Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela. It has even been introduced to French Polynesia! In Panama, people sometimes call it sangre de toro, which means "Blood of the bull," because of its striking red color.
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What Does the Crimson-backed Tanager Look Like?
This bird is about 18 cm (7.1 in) long, which is about the length of a pencil.
- Males: Adult males have a shiny silver lower beak. Their head and chest are a deep maroon red. This color brightens to a vivid red on their lower back and belly. Their wings and tail are black, making the red stand out even more!
- Females: Females are not as brightly colored as the males. Their underparts are more blackish.
Where Do These Birds Live?
The crimson-backed tanager lives in a few different places:
- Colombia: You can find them in northern and western Colombia. They are less common in the Chocó region.
- Venezuela: They live around the Maracaibo Basin.
- Panama: They are found across most of Panama. This includes areas like Chiriquí and Veraguas provinces in the west. They are very common on Coiba Island and the Pearl Islands.
These birds prefer certain types of places to live. Their natural habitats include subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. They can also be found in areas where forests have been changed by humans, like scrublands and gardens.
Interesting Facts About the Crimson-backed Tanager
Who Discovered This Bird?
The crimson-backed tanager was first described by a French scientist named Frédéric de Lafresnaye in 1837. He was the first to officially record and name this species.
Family Ties
This bird is one of nine species in the Ramphocelus group. All birds in this group are known for their bright colors. The crimson-backed tanager is closely related to the masked crimson tanager.
Nesting Habits
Scientists have observed a nest of a crimson-backed tanager. It contained two blue eggs. These eggs had small, dark dots on them.
