h2: Basic Description
The Scarlet Tanager is a stunning bird with bright red plumage, which makes it easily identifiable. This bird has black wings and tail, as well as a thick pointed bill that helps it to eat seeds and insects.
Scarlet Tanagers are medium-sized birds and can grow up to 7 inches in length. They also have a wingspan of approximately 11 inches. Interestingly, females have greenish-yellow feathers instead of the bright red coloration of males.
h2: Where To Find This Bird
Scarlet Tanagers breed throughout North America during spring and summer months. They inhabit deciduous forests, particularly oak-hickory woods, where they can find plenty of food sources. During their migration period from September to October or November, they head south towards Central America or northern South America.
h2: Habitat
These birds prefer dense woodlands with large trees for nesting sites. They construct nests on horizontal branches high off the ground using twigs and mosses held together with spider webs. The Scarlet Tanager population can be found across North America in habitats such as mature forests that include oaks, hickories or maple trees within the eastern region’s mountains; although rare but might even appear sporadically in parks/gardens near these areas.
h2: Food
Scarlet Tanagers feed on insects like beetles by catching them mid-air using their sharp bills while flying through the forest canopy’s branches! Additionally, they consume fruits such as strawberries when available for consumption at certain times during fall migration periods around Mexico City (e.g., late August/early September).
h2: Cool Facts
Did you know that despite being brightly colored – this does not necessarily help camouflage against predators? In fact – many scientists believe this bright coloring serves as a signal between other tanagers & animals about mating patterns!
Another interesting aspect about scarlet tanagers is how they change colors after their first year. The males will lose their bright red plumage and turn a dull yellow-green, while the females retain their greenish-yellow feathers throughout adulthood.
Scarlet Tanagers are beautiful birds to observe in nature. With proper conservation efforts towards preserving natural habitats for these birds, we can ensure that they continue to thrive in our forests and woodlands for generations to come!
