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.
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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.
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.
Crimson-back tanagers are native to Central and South America, most commly to Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela.
A small population is also found on the islands of French Polynesia.
They like to live in small family flocks, in shrubby, lowland forests.
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.
Still, 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.
h/t: eBird , Beauty of Birds
Last Updated on October 3, 2020 by Amy Pilkington
