Striking red tanager with fairly limited range in lowlands and foothills below 1,300 m. Male is overall velvety red, brightest on the flanks and rump and darker on the head. Wings and tail are black. Females are duller reddish brown. Note silver bill with swollen base of lower mandible. Unlikely to be confused in range. Typically found in small flocks in shrubby open habitats and second growth.