Fairly common in the understory of lowland tropical forest and woodland; also ranges into adjacent secondary growth. Usually in small groups, mainly comprising female-plumaged birds. Associates readily with similar Red-crowned Ant-tanager when attending army ant swarms. These two species are best told by voice: low rasping calls in Red-throated, high squeaky calls in Red-crowned (remember: the throat is lower than the crown). Male Red-throated has a small dark mask between the eye and the bill, and female has a contrasting buff throat.