How to Identify a Scarlet Tanager

The scarlet tanager, found mainly in the eastern forests of the United States, is a shy bird and tends to remain among the cover in the woods. Summer bird watchers will see the scarlet tanager as they walk through the woods, since it is easily recognizable.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for the male because he is the most striking, with his bright red body and black wings and tail. He is 6- to 7-inches long. The female is harder to find since she blends easily in the forest with her hunter green body and black wings.

2. Listen for short, rough birdcalls from the scarlet tanager. The birds sound like they have scratchy throats. Follow the song of the mating season when the female responds in a similar harsh tone that is quieter and softer.

3. Expect to see the scarlet tanager in the summer in the east and northeast U.S. You can recognize the bright red bird in urban areas in the tops of pine trees. In the winter, the tanagers migrate to Central America and South America, where they also remain in the treetops in wooded areas.

4. Watch birds in flight for those small creatures with wingspans varying from 11 to 15 inches. You'll see the red body, large black wings and black tail.

5. Identify a scarlet tanager nest by the pale blue-green eggs with brown speckles on them. Tanagers nest from May to August. After the eggs are hatched, the birds leave the nest within 2 weeks.