Passerini's Tanager Ramphocelus passerinii

Passerini's Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii) is a gregarious bird that occurs along the Caribbean slope of Central America from southern Mexico south to northeastern Panama.  The species is similar in many respects to its closest relative, the Cherrie's Tanager (Ramphocelus costaricensis), which has been better studied.  Male plumage is a striking combination of mostly black plumage contrasting with a scarlet-red patch extending from the lower back to the  rump.  One of the most conspicuous and abundant birds within their range, they are most commonly found in forest edge, clearings, and second growth.  Like many tanagers, their diet is varied and includes both fruits and arthropods.  They form loose flocks and do not defend territories.  Although Passerini's Tanager is socially monogamous,  genetic studies of its closest relative suggest that the rate of extra-pair copulation may be high.