Scarlet Tanager
NameScarlet Tanager
Common NameScarlet Tanager
Scientific NamePiranga olivacea
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsAdult males in breeding plumage are brilliant scarlet red with jet-black wings and tail. Females and non-breeding males are yellowish-green with dusky wings and tails, often showing two faint wing bars.
Vocalization / CallTheir call is a distinctive, often harsh 'chip-burr' or 'chick-burr'. The song is a robin-like but hoarser, often described as 'chick-burr, chick-churr, chick-chur-wee'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across 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 FeaturesMale's brilliant scarlet body with black wings and tail, Female's yellowish-green body with dusky wings, Thick, pale, conical bill, Distinctive 'chip-burr' call, Prefers mature deciduous and mixed forests
Description
The Scarlet Tanager is a medium-sized songbird known for the male's striking brilliant scarlet plumage with contrasting black wings and tail. These birds are typically found high in the canopy of deciduous and mixed forests, where they forage for insects and fruits.
