New York wildlife
Scarlet Tanager (male)
Piranga olivacea
Male's brilliant scarlet plumage is unmistakable, often seen high in canopy
See the Scarlet Tanager (male) up close
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug
Typical arrival in early May; check eBird for local reports just prior to your visit.
Where to look
Letchworth State ParkMinnewaska State Park Preserve
Conservation status
Common summer resident in deciduous forests
Good to know
Why are male Scarlet Tanagers so hard to see despite bright color?
They stay high in the forest canopy, and their red can appear black in shadow.
Do Scarlet Tanagers visit feeders?
Rarely; they prefer natural fruit sources and insects, but may eat grape jelly or orange halves.
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