Heterospingus rubrifrons
The Sulphur-rumped Tanager (*Heterospingus rubrifrons*) is a striking passerine from the Thraupidae family, known for its bold coloration and often elusive nature. Males are approximately 15-16 cm (6 inches) long, showcasing a predominantly glossy black plumage brilliantly contrasted by a vivid, sulfur-yellow rump patch and a fiery red patch on the forehead and lores. Females share a similar pattern but are typically duller, with a less intense red forehead and sometimes a brownish wash over ...
This species primarily inhabits the mid-story and canopy of humid evergreen forests, frequently favoring forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and secondary growth. It is typically found in foothills and lower montane zones.
The diet consists mainly of insects and other arthropods, gleaned from vegetation or captured in flight, supplemented significantly with small fruits.
The Sulphur-rumped Tanager is a diurnal and often inconspicuous bird, despite its vibrant plumage, frequently detected by its distinctive calls rather than sight. It is a highly social species, almost invariably found as a core member of mixed-species foraging flocks, moving rapidly through the f...
The Sulphur-rumped Tanager is a resident species distributed across Central America and northwestern South America. Its northern range extends from eastern Honduras, through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, where it is found on both Caribbean and Pacific slopes. In South America, it is primaril...
Least Concern
- The "sulphur-rumped" part of its name perfectly describes the male's striking bright yellow lower back. - Its scientific name, *rubrifrons*, literally means "red forehead," referring to the male's prominent scarlet patch. - This species is a classic example of a "mixed-species flock follower," ...