Scarlet-rumped Tanager

The Scarlet-rumped Tanager (traditionally including the closely related Passerini's and Cherrie's Tanagers, now often split) is a boldly patterned songbird of Central America. Males are entirely glossy black except for a bright, velvety scarlet patch across the lower back and rump that flashes conspicuously in flight or when the bird flicks its wings. Females and immatures are duller, generally olive to dusky brown with a warmer orange-yellow rump patch replacing the male's scarlet.

Common and conspicuous, this tanager thrives in disturbed and edge habitats, often seen perched in the open at forest borders, roadside trees, and fruiting shrubs in gardens across its Caribbean-slope range.

Key field marks

• Males: glossy black overall with a bright scarlet-red rump patch
• Females/immatures: olive-brown to dusky, with a paler orange-yellow rump patch
• Stocky build with a thick, dark, conical bill
• Rump patch most visible in flight or when perched with wings slightly drooped

Similar species

• Crimson-backed Tanager shows red extending across the belly as well as the back, not just a rump patch.
• Flame-rumped Tanager (South America) is similar in pattern but occurs much farther south with no range overlap.
• Female Scarlet-rumped Tanagers can resemble female Crimson-backed Tanagers but are generally duller and more olive.

Habitat

Thrives in forest edge, second growth, plantations, brushy clearings, and gardens; generally avoids deep forest interior.

Range

Found on the Caribbean slope from southeastern Mexico and Belize south through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama (with the closely related Cherrie's Tanager on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and Panama).

Migration

Resident and non-migratory throughout its range.

Behavior

Conspicuous and often bold, regularly perching in the open at forest edges and readily visiting fruit feeders and fruiting trees in gardens; usually seen in pairs or small groups.

Voice

Gives a sharp, husky "chip" or "chuk" call, along with a simple, buzzy warbling song.

Feeding

Feeds mainly on soft fruit and berries, supplemented with insects gleaned from foliage.

Nesting

Builds an open cup nest low in dense shrubby vegetation; typically lays 2 eggs, incubated primarily by the female.