Scarlet Tanager
Image: ibhappy (cc-by-nc)
NameScarlet Tanager
Common NameScarlet Tanager
Scientific NamePiranga olivacea
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)31.5
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are unmistakable with their brilliant scarlet red body and contrasting black wings and tail. Females and first-year males are olive-yellow overall, with darker olive-gray wings and tail. Non-breeding males resemble females but may show patches of red.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a hoarse, robin-like series of phrases, often described as 'chip-churr, wee-chee, chip-churr'. Their distinctive call note is a dry, emphatic 'chip-burr' or 'chip-churr'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdeciduous forest, mixed forest, woodland, parks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across eastern North America, from southern Canada to the southeastern United States. Winters in northern South America, primarily in the Andean foothills from Colombia to Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesBreeding male: brilliant scarlet red body with black wings and tail, Female/Immature/Non-breeding male: olive-yellow body with darker olive-gray wings and tail, Thick, conical bill, Prefers high canopy of mature deciduous forests, Distinctive 'chip-burr' call
Description
A medium-sized songbird, the male Scarlet Tanager is famously brilliant red with black wings during breeding season, while females and non-breeding males are olive-yellow. These birds typically forage high in the canopy of deciduous forests, primarily consuming insects.
