There is no mistaking the Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea). This 7-inch bird is bright scarlet red with black wings and tail. Its winter plumage is yellow green. The female is olive green above and light yellow below.

The song is Robin-like. The call a chip-burr. The nest is a cup made from plant materials. There are 3 to 5 light blue-green eggs blotched with brown. Incubation period is 11 to 14 days. The young leave the nest by 9 to 12 days.

Its range includes southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. It winters in South America. It prefers forests and oak woodlands.

Scarlet Tanagers are mainly insect eaters, but will take fruit when available, such as blackberries, mulberries, strawberries, etc.

Class: Aves | Order: Passeriformes | Family: Cardinalidae | Genus: Piranga | Species: P. olivacea

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