Fairly common in middle level understory of tropical and subtropical forests and woodlands. Usually in small groups, mainly comprising female-plumaged birds. Associates readily with similar Red-throated Ant-Tanager when attending army ant swarms. These two species are best told by voice: high squeaky calls in Red-crowned and low rasping calls in Red-throated. Also, Red-crowned tends to forage at higher levels and its plumage is slightly paler and plainer than Red-throated, without a contrasting dark mask (male) or buffy throat (female).