Tanager - Scarlet

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Scientific Name: Piranga olivacea

Basic Info

Found throughout North, Central, and South America at different times of the year, Scarlet Tanagers are found in areas of dense deciduous or partially deciduous forest. They may also be seen in suburban areas that have lots of tall trees. Scarlet Tanagers' nests are often parasitized by Cowbirds.

Health

In captivity, Scarlet Tanagers should be fed as close a diet to their natural diet as possible. Usually insects may form the dietary basis, and fruits could be offered as a supplement. Breeding Generally, male Scarlet Tanagers have similar coloring to females until they become sexually mature. Breeding occurs between May and August, when Scarlet Tanager populations have migrated into more northern regions of North America. Males usually arrive first to establish a breeding territory. Courting involves displays, songs, and feeding of the female by the male. Normally the nest is shallow, constructed from twigs and vegetation. The nests take less than a week to build and are lined with soft or fine vegetative materials. Scarlet Tanagers seem to have little height preference; nests can be found between 4 and 75 feet from ground level. Four, though sometimes five, eggs will be deposited and incubated for a period of about 13 days. The eggs have brown speckling over a blue-green base color. Although only the female will sit, the male will bring her food. The hatchling Scarlet Tanagers can usually leave the nest when they are between 9 and 15 days old.

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

With a lovely song and beautiful coloration, many North Americans welcome the annual return of Scarlet Tanagers to their breeding grounds. These lovely little birds are also interesting to observe wintering in South America, each sex wearing plumage to match the other. Scarlet Tanagers spend most of their time in forest canopies. In winter, they spend their time in South American tropical forests, though in spring they migrate to more northern regions to begin courtship. Often, they are found nesting or hunting in oak trees. During the courting process, males will alight on low branches and spread their wings, showing off their lovely red feathering. Scarlet Tanagers have songs very similar to those of Robins, though often Tanagers have more throaty voices than Robins. They tend to give ample pause between each song before beginning a new one. A "chip - chirr" sound seems to be characteristic to this bird. Female Scarlet Tanagers may also sing, and their voices are softer than those of males. Scarlet Tanagers hunt by sitting motionless and practically invisible until they sight a prey item. They will then snatch it up.

Origin

North and South America

History

Found throughout North, Central, and South America at different times of the year, Scarlet Tanagers are found in areas of dense deciduous or partially deciduous forest. They may also be seen in suburban areas that have lots of tall trees. Scarlet Tanagers' nests are often parasitized by Cowbirds.

Common Foods

Often prey consists of caterpillars, flies, or beetles. However, fruits and berries in addition to buds are also eaten. Sometimes, Scarlet Tanagers may forage for food on the ground, and in some seasons they may engage in aerial hunting of bees or other