Male

Female

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