Pennsylvania field viewing guide
Scarlet Tanager (male) in Pennsylvania — where & when to see them by RV
Piranga olivacea
Males with brilliant red and black during spring migration
4peak months
3prime spots
Natural history
About the Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers are canopy-dwelling songbirds that hunt insects among oak leaves. The male's striking plumage is contrasted with black wings and tail.
Where to look
Conservation status
See the Scarlet Tanager (male) up close
When to watch
The best months to see the scarlet tanager
Wildlife runs on a calendar. Here is the window when sightings peak in Pennsylvania — plan your trip around the lit months, then check the local refuge or park report before you go.
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug
Best seen during dawn or early morning in May; check eBird for recent sightings.
Plan the trip
Base your Pennsylvania RV trip
Good to know
Common questions
What is the best way to identify a male Scarlet Tanager?
Look for a bright red body with jet-black wings and tail, often high in deciduous trees.
When do Scarlet Tanagers arrive in Pennsylvania?
They typically arrive in early May from South American wintering grounds.
Make it a trip
Rent an RV in Pennsylvania
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