Summer Tanager

Overview

Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) is a species of Cardinals & Allies (Cardinalidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). The only entirely red bird in North America; a bee and wasp specialist, catching them in flight and removing the sting; winters in the tropics; a warm-weather visitor to southern US woods.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Piranga; binomial: Piranga rubra; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 16-18cm. Average lifespan: 3-7 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic and Middle America. Non-breeding range: s Mexico to Amazonia.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.