Flame-rumped Tanager

Identification

The flame-rumped tanager is a striking small tanager measuring approximately 19 cm in length, instantly recognizable by its vivid plumage and pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males display velvety black upperparts with a scarlet-red spot on the back, while the chest and rump are orange to red and the belly is bright yellow. Their distinctive cobalt-blue to silver bill with a black tip is a useful field mark. Females are considerably duller, with olive-brown backs marked with dark spots, a reddish-orange rump, and light yellow chest and belly. The two subspecies differ notably in rump coloration: males of the nominate flammigerus show a red rump, while icteronotus males display a bright yellow rump—a difference so striking that the latter is sometimes called the lemon-rumped tanager.

Range & Habitat

This tanager is distributed from Panama south through Colombia and Ecuador to western Ecuador. It is considered quite common throughout its range, primarily inhabiting semi-open forest environments including shrubby clearings, forest edges, and gardens, with a strong preference for elevations between 800 and 2000 meters above sea level. The widespread icteronotus subspecies occurs across the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena region, while the nominate flammigerus is confined to the Cauca Valley in Colombia, where the two subspecies are known to hybridize.

Behaviour & Diet

While detailed behavioral studies are limited, flame-rumped tanagers are typically observed in small groups frequenting the edges and clearings of their forest habitat. Like other tanagers, they feed primarily on fruit and insects, moving actively through vegetation as they forage. Their preference for semi-open habitats and gardens makes them more conspicuous than many forest tanagers, allowing observers good opportunities for viewing and photography.

Best Time & Places to See It

The flame-rumped tanager can be found year-round throughout its range, making it accessible to travelers at any season. The most reliable locations include Colombia's Cauca Valley for the red-rumped nominate subspecies, and the lowlands and foothills of Panama, western Colombia, and Ecuador for the yellow-rumped icteronotus. Forest edge habitats, particularly in areas with fruiting trees and flowering shrubs, offer the best viewing opportunities. Its preference for semi-open habitats and gardens means it is often more accessible than strictly forest-interior species.

Photography Tips

The brilliant red or yellow rump and black plumage of males make flame-rumped tanagers rewarding photographic subjects, though their active foraging behavior requires a responsive shutter speed. Early morning light will best reveal the velvety texture of male plumage and the iridescence of their blue bills. Position yourself near forest edges and gardens where they forage; patient waiting near fruiting trees often yields excellent photo opportunities. Female birds, though duller, can be challenging but rewarding subjects; use overcast conditions to avoid harsh shadows that obscure plumage details. A telephoto lens of at least 300-400mm is recommended for comfortable framing at typical viewing distances.