Scarlet Tanager
Image: rjaffrey (cc-by-nc)
NameScarlet Tanager
Common NameScarlet Tanager
Scientific NamePiranga olivacea
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)31.5
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are unmistakable with their brilliant scarlet red body, contrasting sharply with jet black wings and tail. Females are olive-yellow overall, with dusky olive-brown wings and tail. Non-breeding males resemble females but may show patches of red or have darker wings.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a robin-like but hoarser, often described as a 'chick-burr, chick-cherr, chick-chick-cherr'. The most common call is a distinctive 'chip-churr' or 'chip-burr' note.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdeciduous forest, mixed forest, woodlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across 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's brilliant scarlet body with black wings and tail, female's olive-yellow body with dusky wings, thick, conical bill, often found high in forest canopy
Description
A medium-sized songbird, the breeding male Scarlet Tanager is strikingly bright red with black wings, while females and non-breeding males are olive-yellow with dusky wings. These birds are typically found high in the canopy of mature deciduous forests, where they forage for insects and fruits.
