Description
Size: 7.75”
Plumage/Description: Males are a stunning, brilliant red color. Females have no red at all, but are an over-all olive-green, yellowish color. Like other species, Summer Tanagers have the ability to raise and lower the feathers on the crown of their head—when raised it gives them a ‘crested’ appearance.
Habitat: Riparian/Deciduous, Residential
Time of year: Spring, Summer
Relative Abundance: Common in proper habitat
Behavior: Summer Tanagers prefer a riparian habitat with willow and cottonwood trees. During migration they will occur in residential settings briefly as they stop to re-fuel. However, during breeding season they typically will not be seen outside of their preferred habitat.
Diet: Insects, fruit, jelly, suet
Similar species: Hepatic Tanager, Northern Cardinal
Best Sites: Granite Creek Park, Granite Creek, Watson Woods