The summer tanager is a medium-sized American songbird. Formerly placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae), it and other members of its genus are now classified in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae). The species's plumage and vocalizations are similar to other members of the cardinal family.
Region
North America to northern South America
Typical Environment
Breeds across the southern and eastern United States and parts of the Southwest, extending into northern Mexico. Prefers open mature deciduous woods, pine–oak woodlands, and riparian corridors, often along forest edges and clearings. During winter it moves to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, using forest edges, second growth, and shaded agroforestry like shade coffee. On migration it frequents parks, groves, and hedgerows where insects and fruits are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Male summer tanagers are uniquely all red in North America east of the Rockies, while females are mustard-yellow to olive-yellow. They famously catch bees and wasps in flight and often rub them on branches to remove stingers before eating. Their song is a burry, robin-like series of phrases, and their dry "pi-ti-tuck" call is distinctive in woodlands. Formerly placed with tanagers, they are now classified with cardinals (Cardinalidae).
Eating a katydid.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallying from perches; direct, purposeful flight between trees
Social Behavior
Pairs form in spring and defend nesting territories. The cup nest is built by the female on a horizontal branch, and both parents feed the young. Outside the breeding season they may join loose mixed-species flocks while foraging in the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A rich, burry, robin-like series of variable phrases delivered from the canopy. Calls include a distinctive dry "pi-ti-tuck" and sharp "pik" notes, often heard while foraging.
Plumage
Males are uniformly rosy-red to scarlet with no wing bars; females are mustard-yellow to olive-yellow, sometimes with faint olive tones on the back. Juveniles and first-year males may show patchy red and yellow during molt. Feathers are smooth with a plain, unpatterned appearance.
Diet
Primarily eats flying insects, especially bees and wasps, which it often subdues by rubbing against a branch to remove stingers. Also takes beetles, caterpillars, flies, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage. In migration and winter it supplements with fruits and berries such as mulberries, elderberries, and other small fleshy fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy along forest edges, riparian zones, and open woodlands where insect traffic is high. In winter, frequents fruiting trees and edges of tropical forests and plantations. Often hunts from exposed perches, sallying out to catch prey.
