The Crimson-Backed Tanager Is A Spectacular Red Bird With A Striking Silver Beak
I've discovered a new love for the entire tanager family of bird species. Every time I think I've seen the prettiest, most striking member of the family, another one appears to amaze me. In the end, I can't choose a favorite and simply love them all. Today's obsession is the crimson-backed tanager, Ramphocelus dimidiatus, a striking red bird who knows how to accessorize. While many birds might think the bright red and black had more than enough impact, these birds add a shining silver beak.
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It's so shiny that it looks white in most still photos. The base of the beak is also unusually wide, so it stands out even more. However, while the females of the species also have the beautiful feathers, they were saddled with a basic black bill. So it seems like with many bird species, the males just have to be that little bit more extra.
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Crimson-backed Tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) is a species of bird in the Thraupidae family. Striking red tanager with fairly limited range in lowlands and foothills below 1,300 m. Male is overall velvety red, brightest on the flanks and rump and darker on the head. Wings and tail are black. Females are duller reddish brown. Note silver bill with swollen base of lower mandible. Unlikely to be confused in range. Typically found in small flocks in shrubby open habitats and second growth.
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While Many Birds Might Think The Bright Red And Black Had More Than Enough Impact, These Birds Add A Shining Silver Beak. Measuring around 18 cm (7.1 in) in length, the adult male has a silver sheen on its lower mandible. Its whole head and chest are a maroon red, brightening to a bright red on its lower back and abdomen. Its wings and tail are black. The female is duller with blackish underparts.
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It is found in northern and western Colombia (south to Chocó where it is uncommon), the Maracaibo Basin in Venezuela, and over most of Panama, where it extends to Chiriquí and Veraguas Provinces in the west of the country, as well as Coiba, where it is abundant, and Pearl Islands. It inhabits forest, scrub and gardens. However, While The Females Of The Species Also Have The Beautiful Feathers, They Were Saddled With A Basic Black Bill. The males have a bright crimson back along with a white lower mandible (bill). The plumage of the females and juveniles are a rich brown. Their Eggs Are Blue, With Fine Dark Dots, But Not Enough Nests Have Been Found To Know For Sure How Many Are Laid Per Season.
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Fortunately, they aren't in any danger of extinction right now, listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List with little signs of habitat erosion.
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