Crimson-backed Tanager
Ramphocelus dimidiatus
Known locally as 'Sangre de Toro' for its intense blood-red plumage, the Crimson-backed Tanager is a jewel of the tropical lowlands. This social songbird brings a burst of vibrant color and lively energy to any backyard or forest clearing it visits.
Quick Identification
Size
Length: 16–18 cm (6.3–7 in); Weight: 24–31 g (0.8–1.1 oz)
Colors
Males are a deep, velvety crimson on the head, back, and underparts with black wings and tail; females are brownish-red or ochre-toned.
Key Features
- Velvety crimson body on males
- Striking silver-white lower mandible on males
- Deep black wings and tail
- Active, social group behavior
When You’ll See Them
Sightings on EverydayEarth
Jun 23, 2026
A lively scene at the fruit feeder featuring a variety of tropical birds. Several Palm Tanagers and a vibrant Crimson-backed Tanager are the primary visitors, pecking at slices of orange and banana. A small Thick-billed Euphonia hops across the tray to find a spot, while a Social Flycatcher makes a brief appearance in the background.
Jun 21, 2026
Several small birds are active at the fruit feeder in the early morning light. They hop along the feeding log and peck at pieces of fruit. At least one male Crimson-backed Tanager is identifiable by the flash of its bright lower bill, while other birds move in and out of the scene to forage.
Jun 15, 2026
A male Crimson-backed Tanager hops down from a mossy branch onto the fruit feeder tray. It spends several moments perched on the edge, looking around before beginning to feed on the slices of citrus and papaya.
Jun 11, 2026
A Gray-headed Chachalaca perches on the mossy limb directly above the feeding platform, reaching down to peck at the fruit. In a flurry of activity, a Blue-gray Tanager and a male Crimson-backed Tanager fly in to grab bites of banana and orange before quickly departing.
Jun 10, 2026
A female Crimson-backed Tanager is perched on a mossy branch overlooking a tray filled with fruit. The bird appears alert, turning its head to scan the surroundings in the lush tropical environment.
Apr 17, 2026
A male Crimson-backed Tanager lands on the tray and begins feeding on the fruit, soon joined by a female of the same species. A male Thick-billed Euphonia, which was perched on an orchid-covered branch to the left, hops down to join them. The three birds forage together on the variety of halved citrus and tropical fruits.
Geographic range
Where Does the Crimson-backed Tanager Live?
This vibrant songbird is native to the tropical lowlands of Central and South America, with its core populations concentrated in Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. Within these regions, it is a common sight in both wild landscapes and human-altered environments like coffee plantations and backyard gardens. Additionally, a stable population was introduced to the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia, where the species has successfully naturalized in the local ecosystem.
Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recorded on EverydayEarth
Behavior
The Crimson-backed Tanager is a highly social and energetic bird, often found traveling in small family groups or noisy flocks of up to a dozen individuals. They are active foragers, spending much of their day hopping through low to mid-level vegetation in search of food. While they are bold and vocal among their own kind, they can be somewhat flighty around humans, though they adapt remarkably well to suburban environments and gardens near forest edges.
These birds are particularly fond of fruit and will frequently visit bird feeders, where they may display a social hierarchy. Their movements are quick and jerky, characteristic of the Ramphocelus genus. During the breeding season, males become more conspicuous, perching on exposed branches to sing a series of rhythmic, chirping notes to defend their territory or attract a mate.
EverydayEarth exclusive
Camera Tips
To capture the stunning 'sangre de toro' color of the Crimson-backed Tanager, place your AI-powered camera near fruiting trees or active bird feeders. They are particularly drawn to bananas, papayas, and oranges. Mount the camera at eye level—roughly 4 to 6 feet high—on a stable post or branch facing the feeding station. Because these birds are quick and move with jerky motions, use a high shutter speed or 'burst mode' to ensure you catch the sharp silver glint of the male's lower mandible without motion blur.
Angle your camera to take advantage of the morning light; the 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM window provides the best natural illumination to make their crimson feathers pop against green foliage. Avoid placing the camera in direct, harsh midday sun, which can wash out the deep red tones and create high-contrast shadows that obscure their features. If you are using a trail camera in a more wooded area, look for forest gaps or 'light wells' where the birds often congregate to sun themselves or forage for insects among the leaves.
Because they often travel in family groups, wide-angle settings are preferable to capture multiple birds at once. These tanagers are quite curious and may approach the camera if it is positioned near a water source like a birdbath. Ensure the camera is at least 3-5 feet away from the water to maintain focus while catching their splashing behavior. In suburban settings, they are year-round residents, so keeping a consistent feeding schedule will train them to visit your camera site daily, providing frequent high-quality captures.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Crimson-backed Tanager.
Frequently Asked Questions
Record Crimson-backed Tanager at your habitat
Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.