Scarlet Tanager

The scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea) is a medium-sized songbird known for its striking coloration and melodious song. Adult males, especially during the breeding season, are a vivid crimson-red with contrasting black wings and tails, making them one of the most visually stunning birds in North America. Females, on the other hand, are more subdued in appearance, with yellowish underparts and olive upperparts, including yellow-olive-toned wings and tail. During the non-breeding season, males resemble females but retain darker wings and tail feathers. Juvenile males briefly exhibit a mix of characteristics from both adults, resulting in a variegated plumage.

Measuring between 16 to 19 cm (6.3 to 7.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 inches), and weighing from 23.5 to 38 grams (0.83 to 1.34 ounces), the scarlet tanager is marginally the smallest of the four Piranga species breeding north of the Mexican border. Their bills are pale, horn-colored, stout, and smooth-textured, suitable for their diet of insects and fruits.

Taxonomy

Originally placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae), the scarlet tanager and its genus mates are now classified under the cardinal family (Cardinalidae). Despite this reclassification, they share similarities in plumage and vocalizations with other members of the cardinal family. The genus name Piranga is derived from the Tupi word Tijepiranga, referring to an unknown small bird, and the specific name olivacea comes from Neo-Latin olivaceus, meaning “olive-green,” based on the appearance of the female or immature specimens.

Distribution, Range, and Population

Scarlet tanagers breed in thick deciduous woodlands and suburban areas across eastern North America. Their breeding range extends from southern Canada down through the eastern United States. During the winter, they migrate to tropical America, primarily to the forests of northern South America, including parts of Colombia, Venezuela, and the Amazon Basin.

Despite habitat loss and other challenges, the population of scarlet tanagers is currently stable. They are a fairly common sight in their preferred habitats, particularly during the breeding season.

Habitat

Scarlet tanagers thrive in thick deciduous forests and wooded suburban areas. They prefer habitats with dense canopy cover, which provides ample foraging opportunities and protection from predators. These birds are also found in mixed woodlands and occasionally in coniferous forests, especially during migration.

Behavior

Scarlet tanagers are known for their relatively secretive nature, often staying high in the tree canopy. They are active foragers, searching for insects among the leaves and branches. Males are particularly vocal during the breeding season, using their songs to establish and defend territories. The song of the scarlet tanager is similar to that of the American robin but with a hoarser quality. Their distinctive call is a sharp “chip-burr” or “chip-churr,” easily distinguishable from the calls of related tanager species.

Feeding

The diet of the scarlet tanager primarily consists of insects and other arthropods. They are adept at gleaning insects from foliage and catching them in mid-air. Common prey items include caterpillars, beetles, ants, wasps, and spiders. In addition to insects, they also consume a variety of fruits and berries, especially during migration and in their wintering grounds.

Breeding

Breeding season for scarlet tanagers begins in late spring. Males arrive first at the breeding grounds to establish territories and attract females with their songs and vibrant plumage. The female builds a shallow, cup-shaped nest made of twigs, grass, and other plant materials, usually placed high in a tree. She lays three to five eggs, which are incubated for about 13-14 days. Both parents share the responsibility of feeding the chicks, which fledge approximately 9-15 days after hatching. The nests are often well-concealed within the dense foliage, providing protection from predators.

Threats

While the scarlet tanager population is stable, they face several threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development. Collisions with buildings and vehicles also pose significant risks. Additionally, climate change could alter their habitats and food availability, impacting their survival. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring forest habitats are essential for their continued well-being.

Migration

Scarlet tanagers are long-distance migrants, traveling from their breeding grounds in eastern North America to their wintering grounds in northern South America. They typically migrate at night, navigating by the stars and Earth’s magnetic field. Migration usually occurs in late spring and early fall, with the birds spending the winter months in tropical forests.

Conclusion

The scarlet tanager is a striking and melodious bird, known for its vivid coloration and beautiful song. Its adaptability to various forest environments and its stable population make it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving their habitats are crucial to ensure that these stunning birds continue to thrive. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a casual observer, encountering a scarlet tanager is always a delightful experience, offering a glimpse into the rich diversity of avian life in the Americas.