Scarlet Tanager

The Scarlet Tanager is a medium-sized American songbird. The species’ plumage and vocalizations are similar to members of the cardinal family, which used to be its classification.  It was recently reclassified in the Tanager family (Thraupidae).

Kristine Rivers offers this tip:

“The males of this species are stunning in bright sunlight, with bright red and black plumage, and can often be seen perching in the open. Females are a dull green, with dark wings and tail. Look for them in scrubby areas in Lafitte’s Cove on the West End, or in Dos Vacas Muertas Bird Sanctuary on the far West End.”

They are one of our spring migrants.  See Kristine’s Top 5 blog, Colorful Migrants To See On The Island.