Scarlet Tanager
Image: rjaffrey (cc-by-nc)
NameScarlet Tanager
Common NameScarlet Tanager
Scientific NamePiranga olivacea
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)31.5
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are unmistakable with a vibrant scarlet body and contrasting black wings and tail. Females and non-breeding males are olive-green to yellowish on the head and body, with dusky or blackish wings and tail, sometimes showing faint yellowish wing bars.
Vocalization / CallTheir song is often described as a hoarse, robin-like 'chip-churr, chee-ree, chip-churr'. The most distinctive call note is a dry, abrupt 'chip-burr' or 'chip-churr'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdeciduous forest, mixed forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in eastern North America, from southern Canada south to the southeastern United States. Winters in northwestern South America, primarily from Colombia to Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesBreeding male: brilliant scarlet body with black wings and tail, Female/non-breeding male: yellowish-green body with dusky wings and tail, Distinctive 'chip-burr' call note, Prefers mature deciduous forests
Description
The Scarlet Tanager is a medium-sized songbird known for the striking plumage of its breeding males, which are brilliant scarlet with black wings and tail. Females and non-breeding males are a more subdued yellowish-green with dusky wings. They are typically found high in the canopy of mature deciduous and mixed forests.
