The Silver-backed Tanager inhabits humid forest borders and remnant forest in the Andes. Its two subspecies look quite different; males of the nominate form are mostly dark blue to black with yellow to coppery cheeks and throat.
About 13 cm. The nominate male has a dark blue to black head, collar, and underparts, yellow to coppery cheeks and throat, and blue upperparts including the wings. The female has green upperparts, a brown cap, and a greyish belly.
It occurs at wet or humid forest borders and in remnant forest patches. Diet is poorly known; available accounts suggest fruit, arthropods, and plant material.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.