ExploreBirds

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

The Scarlet Tanager is a bright red bird with black wings and a cheerful song. They love to eat insects and fruits, making them fun to spot in the trees during summer!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Scarlet Tanager male is strikingly bright scarlet red with jet-black wings and tail, making it easy to spot against green leaves. Females are yellowish-green with dusky wings, blending better into the forest. It differs from other red birds by its unique combination of brilliant red body and distinct black wings.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCardinalidaeGenusPiranga
Scarlet Tanager
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Scarlet Tanager

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Male tanagers lose their vibrant red feathers in autumn, becoming greenish-yellow like the females!

Their unique song is often described as sounding like a 'robin with a sore throat,' a distinctive whistle.

They journey from North America to South America every year, flying over 3,000 miles!

Unlike many birds, Scarlet Tanagers have special enzymes to digest the fuzzy skin of toxic caterpillars!

Special abilities

Ability

Global Traveler

Scarlet Tanager can migrate thousands of kilometers because it has amazing endurance, flying all the way to South America each year.

Ability

Color Changer

Scarlet Tanager has bright red feathers that change to dull greenish-yellow in autumn, helping it blend in while molting.

Ability

Caterpillar Cruncher

Scarlet Tanager can safely eat hairy caterpillars that many other birds avoid, thanks to its specialized foraging skills.

Measurements & details

Length
16-19 cm
Wingspan
25-29 cm
Weight
0.023-0.038 kg
Lifespan
6-11 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
13-14 days
Migration Distance
6000 km

Diet & Feeding

Tiny bugs and juicy berries are the Scarlet Tanager's favorite foods!

Primary Foods

  • insects
  • spiders
  • beetles
  • moths
  • wild berries
  • small fruits

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and do not disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Scarlet Tanager?

16-19 cm

What is Scarlet Tanager's wingspan?

25-29 cm

How much does Scarlet Tanager weigh?

0.023-0.038 kg

How long does Scarlet Tanager live?

6-11 years

How fast can Scarlet Tanager move?

35 km/h

What does Scarlet Tanager eat?

Tiny bugs and juicy berries are the Scarlet Tanager's favorite foods!

Where is Scarlet Tanager usually found?

Forests

How does Scarlet Tanager hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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