Tanagers of Florida vibrant bird population boasts a variety of colorful and fascinating species, but none quite capture the essence of tropical beauty like bluebirds. With their striking plumage and melodious songs, these small birds are a delightful sight for any birdwatcher lucky enough to spot them in the Sunshine State. In this article, we will delve into the world of tanagers in Florida, focusing on three standout species that you should definitely have on your radar
Summer Tanager
Identification
Male Summer Tanagers that have reached adulthood display a vibrant red hue, while juvenile males exhibit a combination of yellow and red feathers that gradually transition as they molt. The amount of yellow in their plumage indicates their age, with more yellow indicating a younger bird. Conversely, adult females boast a fully yellow body with darker wing coloration. what is most the most common types of blue birds, i tell you my info about blue birds.
Range
Summer Tanagers migrate to northern South America, Central America, and Mexico during the winter months. As spring arrives, they journey northward, eventually reaching the southern United States. Interestingly, Summer Tanagers are more commonly found in the eastern regions of the U.S., with some even venturing as far north as Ohio and Iowa.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Summer Tanagers have a diverse diet that includes many insects and invertebrates. Among their favorite prey are bees and wasps, which they catch in flight and remove the stinger before eating. Additionally, they enjoy feasting on fruits like mulberries.
Where to Find This Bird
Summer Tanagers are typically found in deciduous woods with moderate tree cover. They also live in places like forest edges, backyards, and parks. During migration, this species will appear in mixed forests and along lake edges along with warblers, grosbeaks, orioles, and other tanager species.
Scarlet Tanager
Identification
Male Scarlet Tanagers of Florida display a vibrant red hue with a subtle orange shimmer under direct sunlight, complemented by their jet-black wings and tails. In contrast, females exhibit a yellowish-brown hue, with darker wings and tails compared to the rest of their body. lets i tell you about One of the most striking features of orange birds is their ability to utilize color for various purposes beyond mere attraction;
Range
Scarlet Tanagers winter in western South America and move through the eastern United States in spring. This species spends the summer in the northeastern United States, including New England, some states in the Midwest, and even some more southern states, such as Tennessee, northern Georgia, and northern Alabama.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Scarlet Tanagers predominantly feed on insects, consuming a diverse range of larvae and adult bugs. during the early spring, they will also dine on tree buds and fruits like mulberries.
Where to Find This Bird
Scarlet Tanagers of Florida are known for their preference for deciduous and mixed deciduous forests as their primary habitat. However, they are adaptable during migration and may be spotted in various environments such as backyards and parks, particularly if there is a source of berries nearby. These birds typically dwell in the upper branches of trees, so be on the lookout for their striking red plumage amidst the canopy.
Western Tanager (Uncommon)
Identification
Some consider the male Western Tanager among North America’s most stunning bird species, characterized by its vibrant yellow color, reddish-orange face, and black wings with a distinctive yellow shoulder patch. In contrast, females display a softer yellow hue with grayish-black wings and two light bars on their wings.
Range
Western Tanagers can be found in Central America and Mexico during the winter months. However, as spring arrives, they journey northward to breed in the western United States and southwestern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Western Tanagers predominantly consume insects such as dragonflies, grasshoppers, and wasps during spring and summer. However, their diet shifts to mainly fruit during the fall and winter seasons.
Where to Find this Bird
Western Tanagers of Florida can be found in various environments, such as mixed forests with deciduous and coniferous trees, forest perimeters, urban parks, and even residential gardens. They also thrive in arid landscapes like high-altitude scrublands and pine forests.
Summary
North America is home to a variety of vibrant migratory bird species, with tanagers standing out as particularly colorful. Familiarizing yourself with the common and rare species in your state and region can greatly assist in accurately identifying these brightly-hued birds during field observations.
