Ramphocelus nigrogularis
The Masked Crimson Tanager, *Ramphocelus nigrogularis*, is an avian gem of the Amazonian lowlands, renowned for the male's breathtakingly vivid crimson plumage contrasted by a velvety black 'mask' covering its lores, chin, and throat, extending to the breast. Its wings and tail are also a striking black, creating a truly unforgettable field mark. Measuring approximately 17-18 cm (6.7-7.1 inches) in length and weighing 25-36 grams (0.9-1.3 oz), this medium-sized passerine belongs to the family...
Found primarily in lowland tropical evergreen forests, particularly in várzea (seasonally flooded) forests, riverine woodlands, and secondary growth near water bodies, typically below 500 meters elevation.
Primarily frugivorous, feasting on a wide variety of small fruits and berries, supplemented with insects (ants, beetles) and occasionally nectar. They forage by gleaning from foliage and sometimes hawking insects.
Masked Crimson Tanagers are diurnal and highly active, often foraging in the mid-story to canopy layers of riverside vegetation. They are often observed in pairs or small family groups, though they may join mixed-species flocks. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning fruits and insects from fo...
The Masked Crimson Tanager is a resident species distributed across the western and central Amazon basin in South America. Its primary range encompasses southern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil, particularly in the states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, ...
Least Concern
- The male Masked Crimson Tanager's vibrant crimson and black plumage makes it one of the most visually striking birds of the Amazon. - Unlike many tanagers, this species is almost exclusively found in close proximity to water, particularly along rivers and oxbow lakes. - Its scientific name, *Ra...