High in the canopy, a burst of colors catches your eye. It’s the Flame-rumped Tanager, a vibrant songbird gracing the mountains of Costa Rica. Here, in our refuge nestled in the heart of the lush rainforest, spotting this little beauty is a frequent delight.
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The Flame-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus) is a true marvel of avian fashion. But don’t be misled by its name – this tanager sports a dazzling display not only of fire but also, depending on the subspecies, of sunny yellow!
A Tale of Two Rumps
This bird actually exists in two distinct versions:
- The Fiery Companion: The nominal subspecies, Ramphocelus flammigerus flammigerus, truly deserves the title of « flame-rumped. » Males of this subspecies are a sight to behold. Imagine a sleek jet-black body accented with a fiery red rump that positively contrasts with the emerald backdrop of the rainforest.
- The Sunny Southerner: The southern subspecies, Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus, trades the fiery red for a bright sunny yellow rump. Males of this subspecies still have the sharp black plumage, but the contrast with the yellow rump creates a striking elegance.
Females, in both subspecies, are less flamboyant but no less beautiful. They sport a rich dark brown upper with a warm yellow chest and belly, harmonizing with the vibrant rump color of their partner.
A Forest Forager
The Flame-rumped Tanager is a bird of the lower and middle levels of the rainforest, flitting through the foliage in pairs or small family groups. They are omnivores, enjoying a varied diet of fruits, berries, insects, and even the occasional small lizard.
Watch for them feeding in the trees around our refuge. Their bright colors make them easy to spot, and their calls – a series of chirps and high-pitched whistles – can often be heard before they are seen.
A Least Concern Species
Fortunately, the Flame-rumped Tanager is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like many rainforest birds, they are sensitive to habitat loss. Here, in our mountain refuge, we take great pride in sustainable practices that protect the rainforest ecosystem, ensuring a haven for these fiery feathered friends for generations to come.
So, next time you’re at our Costa Rican refuge, take a moment to explore the wonders of the rainforest canopy. You might just be rewarded with a dazzling glimpse of the Flame-rumped Tanager, a flash of color embodying the vibrant spirit of Costa Rica’s mountains.
Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter notre guide complet sur les oiseaux du Costa Rica.
