Birdsong field guide
Black-bellied Tanager
Ramphocelus melanogaster
A striking, medium-sized tanager endemic to the Huallaga Valley of Peru, known for the male's velvet-black underparts and brilliant crimson highlights.
What it sounds like
A series of sharp, metallic 'tsip' or 'tchep' notes, and a chattering, rhythmic song.
Field notes
- It is strictly endemic to the Huallaga River drainage in north-central Peru.
- Males possess a conspicuous silvery-white base to the lower mandible, often called a 'bill-flag' in displays.
- The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism; females are largely brownish-red with a brighter orange-red rump and throat.
- They are highly social birds, typically found in active family groups of three to eight individuals.
- Their diet is omnivorous, consisting primarily of small fruits supplemented by insects gleaned from foliage.
Habitat
Tropical moist lowland forest edges, dense secondary growth, and agricultural plantations.
Range
Northern Peru (San Martín and Huánuco departments).
Similar & commonly confused birds
Brazilian TanagerRamphocelus bresiliusCrimson-backed TanagerRamphocelus dimidiatusCrimson-collared TanagerRamphocelus sanguinolentusFlame-rumped TanagerRamphocelus flammigerusMasked Crimson TanagerRamphocelus nigrogularisScarlet-rumped TanagerRamphocelus passeriniiSilver-beaked TanagerRamphocelus carbo
Heard a Black-bellied Tanager?
Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.
Identify a bird by its song