 Photo: Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
Recording of song by Lang Elliott You can also buy the CD in our store. |
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea) 
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| 6.25 inches. Males usually arrive from their winter stay in South America slightly before the females and stake out territories in choice tall trees. To warn the other males away, each sings frequently from his own spot with song. Females are attracted to the singing males, who court potential mates by hopping about on low perches in woods near the ground, spreading their wings and displaying their scarlet backs. The males often feed their partners as the nesting season approaches. |