Flame-rumped tanager (female)

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Ramphocelus flammigerus
• Spanish Name: Tangara flamígera
• Family: Thraupidae
• Known Nicknames: Variable-rumped Tanager, Tangara flamigera
• Average Length: 18–19 cm / 7–7.5 in
• Average Weight: 24–33 g / 0.8–1.2 oz
• Wingspan: 25–30 cm / 10–12 in
• Key Feature: Dull brownish-black upperparts with a pale yellow to orange-yellow rump and yellowish-orange underparts
• Primary Diet: Omnivore (Primarily Frugivore and Insectivore)
• Range: Western Andes and Cauca Valley of Colombia
• Habitat: Humid forest edges, secondary growth, and agricultural clearings
• Social Structure: Social (Small groups or pairs)
• Nesting/Breeding: Open-cup nest built in low shrubs or dense foliage
• Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
• Population Trend: Stable

The female Flame-rumped tanager (*Ramphocelus flammigerus*) displays a sophisticated, understated elegance that contrasts sharply with the fiery brilliance of her male counterpart. Primarily found in the lush forest edges and gardens of Colombia, she is characterized by an olive-brown or grayish-brown back and soft, lemon-yellow underparts that deepen into a warm, yellowish-orange hue across her lower back and rump. This namesake "flame" on her rump, though more muted than the male's crimson, remains her most distinctive field mark. A defining feature of the species is her thick, powerful bill—often a striking silvery-gray or bluish-white—which she uses with precision to forage for tropical fruits and small insects. Social and active, the female Flame-rumped tanager is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly into the verdant canopy while maintaining the charismatic presence typical of the *Ramphocelus* genus.

Faits amusants

While the males are famous for their intense scarlet, females exhibit a unique color spectrum on their rumps ranging from pale lemon to fiery orange, largely due to frequent hybridization with the Lemon-rumped tanager. They possess a striking, lead-colored "silvery" beak that is specialized for mashing soft fruits and berries with surprising precision. These females are also known for the quirky behavior of "anting," where they rub live ants onto their feathers to use the insects' formic acid as a natural repellent against parasites. Highly social and vocal, they often act as the "sentinels" of mixed-species flocks, using rhythmic, mechanical-sounding chirps to coordinate movement through the tropical canopy.

Habitats et répartition

This species is endemic to Colombia, where it is primarily restricted to the subtropical and tropical zones of the Cauca and Patía valleys in the western part of the country. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,100 meters, inhabiting the humid and semi-humid landscapes along the slopes of the Andes. The bird favors semi-open environments rather than dense, unbroken forest. Its preferred habitats include forest edges, clearings, second-growth woodlands, shrubby pastures, and cultivated areas like plantations or suburban gardens. It is frequently observed in the lower to middle levels of vegetation, thriving in areas where human activity has created a mosaic of open spaces and scattered trees.

Comportements & Reproduction

These birds are notably social, often traveling in small, active groups or pairs while foraging for fruit and insects in the forest canopy. They frequently participate in mixed-species flocks, using sharp call notes to maintain group cohesion as they move through the undergrowth. Despite their social nature, they become more territorial during the breeding season, when bonded pairs establish nesting sites in dense vegetation or shrubbery. The female plays a primary role in the reproductive process, taking sole responsibility for building the cup-shaped nest from rootlets, leaves, and plant fibers. She typically lays a clutch of two eggs and handles the majority of the incubation duties. Once the eggs hatch, however, both parents cooperate to feed the nestlings, primarily providing insects to support their development. This shared parental investment ensures the survival of the brood before the young eventually fledge and join larger social groups.

Alimentation

The female Flame-rumped tanager maintains an omnivorous diet that consists primarily of a wide variety of tropical fruits and small invertebrates. She frequently consumes berries, melastome seeds, and succulent fruits, while also actively hunting for insects such as beetles, ants, and spiders found within the foliage. An interesting aspect of her feeding behavior is her high level of adaptability; she is a frequent visitor to artificial feeding stations, where she shows a notable preference for bananas and plantains. Foraging typically occurs in social groups or mixed-species flocks, allowing her to efficiently locate seasonal food sources across different forest strata. By consuming such a diverse range of fruits, she plays a vital ecological role as a seed disperser, facilitating the growth of native vegetation throughout her habitat in the Andean slopes and lowland forests.

Couleurs

The female flame-rumped tanager displays olive-brown upperparts and a dull yellowish-orange underside, providing effective camouflage within tropical foliage. Its most distinctive feature is a pale orange or yellowish wash on the rump, echoing the male's vibrant coloration in a more muted tone. The head is typically grayish-brown with a lighter throat, and the bird possesses a characteristic thick, silvery-blue bill.

Charger plus