Basic Description
The Summer Tanager is a colorful bird that belongs to the Cardinal family. This bird is predominantly red in color, with black wings and tail. However, the males are more brightly colored than the females. The males have bright red plumage while females have yellow-green feathers on their backs and wings.
Where To Find This Bird
Summer Tanagers can be found in eastern parts of North America ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico. These birds migrate during winter months to Central and South America.
Habitat
These birds prefer open deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and riparian habitats near streams or rivers. In summer breeding season they inhabit pine forests where they build their nests in secluded areas deep inside the trees.
Food
Summer Tanagers mostly feed on insects like beetles, bees, wasps, ants as well as spiders. They also consume fruits such as strawberries, mulberries among others which give them extra nutrients required for energy-boosting especially during migration periods when they are covering long distances.
Cool Facts
One fascinating fact about these birds is that only male Summer Tanagers develop into their strikingly-red pigmentation; female tanagers remain yellowish-green throughout their lives! Another intriguing fact about these birds is that despite being common throughout much of its range it’s not easily seen because it stays hidden high up within tree branches foraging food.
Their melodious singing voice stands out amongst other woodland songbirds making them popular with birder enthusiasts who often say “pink-a-tink” sounds synonymous with summer tanager calls!
In conclusion,
the Summer Tanager is a beautiful migratory bird that graces North American skies each year after traveling thousands of miles across different countries just so we can enjoy watching them soar through our backyards or wooded areas nearby! Their unique coloring makes them stand out amongst other species while also providing an interesting glimpse into evolutionary adaptations over time ensuring survival under various ecosystems along their migratory routes.
