Walk into a sunlit banana plantation or a dense thicket along Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope, and you’ll quickly notice them—flashes of deep black and vibrant red darting through the foliage. Scarlet-rumped Tanager or Passerini’s Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii), is impossible to miss. These social birds move in noisy, energetic flocks, constantly chasing one another as if engaged in an endless game of tag. Their presence is among the first to captivate visiting birders, just as ornithologist Charles W. Richmond once observed when he described their seemingly carefree antics.
Passerini’s Tanager is a highly gregarious species that thrives in a variety of habitats, including secondary forests, plantations, and forest edges. Its range extends along the Caribbean lowlands from southern Mexico to northeastern Panama. Additionally, a subspecies population inhabits the Pacific slope in Costa Rica and western Panama. This species belongs to the Thraupidae family, a diverse group of tanagers known for their striking coloration and social behaviors.
Sexual dimorphism is pronounced in Scarlet-rumped Tanager, with males displaying a dramatic contrast of black plumage set against a scarlet-red lower back and rump. Females, however, exhibit greater variation depending on the subspecies. In the Caribbean population passerinii, females have a more subdued mix of gray and dusky yellow. Meanwhile, the Pacific slope subspecies costaricensis features females with additional orange hues blending with the yellow and gray, making them slightly more colorful than their Caribbean counterparts.
These tanagers are primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits and berries, though they also consume insects. Their preference for disturbed habitats and cultivated areas has allowed them to thrive despite deforestation, unlike many other tropical species that struggle with habitat loss. Their constant vocalizations, consisting of metallic chips and high-pitched notes, add to the lively soundscape of Costa Rica’s forests and agricultural lands.
With their bold coloration, playful behavior, and adaptable nature, Ramphocelus passerinii remains one of the most recognizable birds in its range. Whether glimpsed in a sun-drenched clearing or weaving through tangled vegetation, these tanagers continue to impress both seasoned birders and first-time visitors alike.
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