scarlet tanager bird
1. Bird Name
The bird being examined in this article is the Scarlet Tanager. The scientific (Latin) name for this bird is Piranga olivacea.
2. Appearance
The Scarlet Tanager is a visually striking bird, known for its vibrant coloration and unique markings. Adult male scarlet tanagers are radiant with bold scarlet bodies and jet-black wings and tail. In contrast, females and juveniles are a complete departure in coloration: they are primarily yellow-green, with faint wing bars. All models have sturdy, rounded beaks and watchful black eyes. During the non-breeding season, males molt into a far less conspicuous olive-green hue, similar to the females.
3. Size
Their size ranges from 16-19 cm in length, with an average wingspan of 25-30 cm. They weigh between 23.5-35.2 g, approximately the same weight as four to six nickels.
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Scarlet Tanager can be found across the eastern half of North America, stretching from Florida up through southern Canada. They thrive in mature, deciduous forests but are also quite content in mixed woodland areas. Their winter habitat extends from southern Mexico down to the northern regions of South America.
5. Interesting Facts
Scarlet Tanagers are long-distance migrants, traveling between North and South America twice annually. They are primarily nocturnal flyers during these long journeys. Interestingly, Scarlet Tanagers are among the species most frequently misidentified as ‘strange’ birds, primarily because males lose their red plumage after breeding season. Additionally, the Scarlet Tanager plays a critical role in its ecosystem, controlling insect populations.
6. Diet
These birds feast predominantly on insects, such as beetles, cicadas, and wasps, which they typically snatch from foliage while in flight. Berries, fruits, and other soft plant matter supplement their diet, particularly before their migratory journeys.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Scarlet Tanagers are predominantly solitary birds outside of their breeding season. However, during breeding, they protect a territory of several acres from other pairs. The tanager’s song is likened to a robin with a sore throat – a somewhat hoarse, hurried warble. Meanwhile, their alarm call is a distinctive “chip-burr.”
8. Conservation Status
The Scarlet Tanager is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List. However, populations have declined steadily over the years due to habitat loss and fragmentation, highlighting the need for conservation action.
9. Lifespan
Scarlet Tanagers typically live up to 7-8 years in the wild. In contrast, in captivity, they can live slightly longer due to regulated diet and lack of natural predators.
10. Additional Notes
Scarlet Tanagers, called “Cardenal Matorralero” in Spanish, are beneficial to human populations by controlling harmful insects. However, they are sensitive to forest fragmentation. Although they will nest in small woodlots, they prefer extensive forests for breeding, highlighting the urgent need for preserving mature forest habitats. They hold a significant role in local ecosystems as both predator and prey, and their behaviors offer unique insights into the dynamics of woodland environments.
