A brilliant flash of crimson transforms any forest walk in eastern North America when this striking songbird swoops between the treetops.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Scarlet Tanager is a striking medium-sized bird. Adult males in breeding season display brilliant scarlet-red bodies contrasted by black wings and tail. Their bill is whitish or pale.

Females are olive-green above with yellowish-olive underparts, and have duller brownish-olive wings and tail. They show a subtle yellow "spectacled" appearance around their eyes.

During fall and winter (non-breeding season), adult males molt to an olive-green plumage similar to females but retain their black wings and tail.

Size

Length

16cm to 19cm

Wingspan

25cm to 30cm

Weight

23g to 38g

Colours

Primary Colour

Red Black

Secondary Colour

Olive Yellow

Beak Colour

Pale Grey

Leg Colour

Blue-grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Scarlet Tanagers inhabit mature deciduous and mixed forests across eastern North America. They prefer large, unbroken tracts of woodland with tall trees and a closed canopy.

During breeding season, they're found from southeastern Canada to the northeastern United States. In winter, they migrate to northwestern South America, inhabiting tropical forests in countries like Colombia and Ecuador.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Tropical

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 45
Adaptability 82
Aggressiveness 60
Endurance 85

Diet

Scarlet Tanagers primarily feed on insects, including caterpillars, beetles, wasps, and flies. They glean these from leaves and branches in the forest canopy.

During migration and in winter, they supplement their diet with fruits and berries, particularly when insect availability is low.

Behaviour

Scarlet Tanagers are often heard before they're seen, as they tend to forage high in the forest canopy. They hop along branches, searching for insects.

During the breeding season, males become territorial and engage in aerial chases to defend their areas.

Vocalisation

The Scarlet Tanager's song is a series of burry warbles, often described as sounding like a robin with a sore throat. Their distinctive call is a sharp 'chip-burr' or 'chick-bree'.

During territorial disputes, males may produce a softer 'tuk-tuk-tuk' sound.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs from late spring to early summer. Males arrive at breeding grounds first, establishing territories and attracting females with their bright plumage and songs.

Females construct shallow, saucer-shaped nests on horizontal tree branches, usually 20-30 feet high. The nest is made of twigs, grass, and bark, lined with fine rootlets. They typically lay 3-5 pale blue-green eggs with brown speckles.

Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, primarily done by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 9-11 days but remain dependent on the adults for several more weeks.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 5 - 10 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 11.9 years [1]
0
3
7
10
14

years

The Scarlet Tanager typically lives for 5 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 11.9 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Scarlet Tanagers face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and forest fragmentation. Climate change may also impact their breeding habitats and migration patterns.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting large tracts of mature deciduous forests.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

2,600,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Listen for their distinctive 'chick-burr' call to locate them in dense foliage
  • Look for flashes of red high in deciduous forest canopies
  • Visit eastern US forests during spring migration for the best viewing opportunities
  • Observe fruit-bearing trees in fall, where they may feed before migration

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Family:

Cardinalidae

Predators

Main predators include hawks, owls, and occasionally squirrels or snakes that raid nests for eggs or young.

Did You Know?

  1. Scarlet Tanagers can see ultraviolet light, which may play a role in mate selection.
  2. Despite their bright coloration, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot in dense foliage.
  3. They are one of the latest spring migrants, often arriving on breeding grounds in May.

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References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Piranga olivacea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22722466A94767758.

    View source
  2. 4

    report, 2007: Data from Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven

  3. 3

    website, 2020: Partners in Flight

    View source
  4. 1

    website: Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds

    View source