Scarlet Tanager

Description:

This is a beautiful little bird that is red and black in color. This is a male. Until I spotted this guy and did a little research I had no idea that there was such a variance between the breeding male, non-breeding male and the female. The breeding male (which is pictured in the series) is bright red with black wings. Females are an olive yellow color with dark gray wings. Non-breeding males are similar to females but have black wings as oppose to dark gray. It is a stout bird with a short rounded black bill, and has short black legs.

Habitat:

I spied this guy in a semi-rural area on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas. It was the first one I had seen in this area. Habitat: forests, and shade trees Range: Eastern, southeastern, and northeastern United States. They migrate to areas of South America in the winter and return in the spring. We are on the cusp of their range. I feel I was luck to see this little guy. Nest: 1 brood per year with a clutch size of 3-4 eggs. Diet: insects, fruits, and buds.

Notes:

I have previously seen Scarlet Tanagers in Bandera, Texas, but this was the first and only one I have seen in San Antonio, Texas. FUN FACTS: 1. Tanagers are often victims of the Brown headed Cowbird brood parasite. If they see a female Cowbird they will defend their nest, however if the Cowbird is able to lay an egg within the Tanager's nest the Tanagers seem to be unaware of the difference between their eggs and the Cowbird's and will raise the young Cowbird. 2. Other than being parasitized the Tanager has many other threats facing its existence. Other nest predators include Blue Jays, Common Grackles, and the American Crow. Other predators include squirrels, cats, raccoons, and accipiters. An additional threat is loss of habitat due to the impacts of human activity. Ref: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Scar...