Scarlet Tanager
NameScarlet Tanager
Common NameScarlet Tanager
Scientific NamePiranga olivacea
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are unmistakable with their vivid scarlet red body and contrasting jet-black wings and tail. Females and non-breeding males are olive-yellow with dusky wings and tails, often showing two faint wing bars.
Vocalization / CallTheir song is a hoarse, robin-like warble, often described as 'chick-burr, chick-churr, chick-chick-churr'. Their most common call note is a distinctive, sharp 'chip-burr' or 'chip-churr'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in eastern North America, from southern Canada south to the southeastern United States. Winters in northern South America, primarily in the Andean foothills from Colombia to Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesBrilliant scarlet red body with black wings and tail (breeding male), Olive-yellow body with dusky wings (female/non-breeding male), Pale, conical bill, Prefers mature deciduous or mixed forests, Distinctive 'chip-burr' call
Description
The Scarlet Tanager is a medium-sized songbird known for the male's brilliant scarlet plumage contrasting with black wings and tail during breeding season. These birds are typically found high in the canopy of deciduous forests, foraging for insects and fruits.
