Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii) – Tangara Lomiescarlata
Monteverde, Costa Rica, is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to hundreds of colorful and unique bird species. Among them, the Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii), locally known as Tangara Lomiescarlata, is one of the most striking. This bird, with its vibrant red rump contrasting against a deep black body, is a favorite among both beginner birders and seasoned ornithologists.
How to Identify the Scarlet-rumped Tanager
The male Scarlet-rumped Tanager is easy to recognize thanks to its glossy black plumage and bright scarlet-red lower back and rump. Females are more subtle, with olive-brown tones, but they also display hints of red on their rump. Their cheerful calls and active behavior make them easy to spot in gardens, forest edges, and reserves around Monteverde.
Habitat and Behavior
This tanager thrives in lowland and mid-elevation forests, secondary growth, and agricultural landscapes. In Monteverde, they are commonly seen in mixed flocks, often accompanied by other tanagers, honeycreepers, and flycatchers. Their diet consists mainly of fruits and insects, making them important seed dispersers within the ecosystem.
Birdwatching in Monteverde – Where to See Them
Monteverde offers some of the best opportunities in Costa Rica to observe the Scarlet-rumped Tanager. They are frequently seen in:
- Curi-Cancha Reserve 🌿
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve 🌳
- Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve 🌲
- Private gardens and coffee plantations ☕🐦
Our expert-guided birdwatching tours in Monteverde often include sightings of this species, along with other colorful birds such as the Blue-gray Tanager, Golden-hooded Tanager, and the famous Resplendent Quetzal.
Best Time of Year to Spot Them
The Scarlet-rumped Tanager can be seen year-round in Monteverde. However, the early morning birdwatching tours are the best time to catch them actively feeding and singing.
Why Birdwatchers Love the Scarlet-rumped Tanager
- Striking red-and-black contrast makes it easy to identify.
- Active, social, and often found in pairs or flocks.
- Frequently spotted near human settlements, making them accessible to both casual travelers and dedicated birders.
Experience Birdwatching in Monteverde with MonteverdeTravel.com
At MonteverdeTravel.com, we specialize in unforgettable birdwatching tours led by local experts. Whether you’re looking to see the Scarlet-rumped Tanager, the iconic Resplendent Quetzal, or a wide variety of cloud forest species, we’ll take you to the best spots at the right times.
👉 Book your birdwatching tour in Monteverde today and discover why the Tangara Lomiescarlata is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds.
