Scarlet Tanager
A species of Northern Tanagers Scientific name : Piranga olivacea Genus : Northern Tanagers
Scarlet Tanager, A species of Northern Tanagers
Botanical name: Piranga olivacea
Genus: Northern Tanagers
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
The scarlet Tanager is a mid-sized bird of brilliant red coloring that lives in forests, as well as suburban areas where there are trees. It is a pretty bird that gives off a rather awful-sounding song that has been likened to that of "a robin with a sore throat." They eat ravenously, and have been known to consume over two thousand gypsy moth caterpillars in one hour!
Size
18 cm (7 in)
Colors
Black
Yellow
Red
Life Expectancy
10 years
Nest Placement
Tree
Clutch Size
3 - 5 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
12 - 14 days
Nestling Period
9 - 15 days
Feeding Habits
Scarlet Tanager primarily consumes insects, including ants, beetles, and termites, complemented by fruit and buds. They exhibit varied foraging behaviors, from walking on branches to hovering or perching for prey, and join mixed-species flocks in winter for foraging.
Habitat
Scarlet Tanager are primarily found in mature deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests across eastern North America. Preferring large tracts with ample old trees, their breeding habitats include oak, pine-oak, oak-hickory, beech, and hemlock-hardwood forests, extending into aspen and birch stands in boreal regions of Canada. They utilize similar woodland areas, parks, and gardens during migration. On their wintering grounds in northern and western South America, scarlet Tanager inhabit mature forests and forest edges, typically in hilly and mountainous regions, but also in lowlands.
Nest Behavior
The female builds the nest over 3-4 days, molding it with her body. Scarlet Tanager lays eggs after nest completion, with both parents involved in care for the eggs and young.
Nest Characteristics
Scarlet Tanager's nest is located high in deciduous trees, often shaded and 50 feet up on horizontal branches. Constructed from twigs, grasses, and fine materials, it is a flimsy, loosely woven saucer with a shallow, asymmetrical shape.
Dite type
Insectivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird Feeder Type
Platform
Behavior
Scarlet Tanager are characterized by their enduring flights, particularly during seasonal migrations. In breeding seasons, males stake out territories, which they vociferously defend through song and at times aggressive posturing, such as the spreading of wings and raising of tails. While they exhibit monogamy within a season, partners may change in subsequent years. After fledging, juveniles are provided parental care briefly, leading to family disbandment pre-migration. In non-breeding seasons, scarlet Tanager exhibit social tendencies, often joining mixed-species groups in search of food.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Cardinals Genus
Northern Tanagers Species
Scarlet Tanager 
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