Hepatic Tanager vs Scarlet Tanager

In short

The Hepatic Tanager and Scarlet Tanager are both medium-sized, red-colored birds, but they can be distinguished by their habitat preferences and subtle plumage differences. The Hepatic Tanager is more common in the southwestern U.S. and prefers pine-oak forests, while the Scarlet Tanager is found in the eastern deciduous forests of North America.

Identification tips

1. Location: Check the habitat—Hepatic Tanagers prefer pine-oak forests, while Scarlet Tanagers are in deciduous forests. 2. Plumage: Look for the brighter scarlet in male Scarlet Tanagers versus the brick-red of male Hepatic Tanagers. 3. Vocalization: Listen for the Scarlet Tanager's distinctive burry song. 4. Season: Consider the time of year, as Scarlet Tanagers are migratory and more likely to be seen in summer in their breeding range.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized tanagers.

Plumage

Adult male Hepatic Tanagers have a more muted, brick-red coloration compared to the vivid scarlet of the male Scarlet Tanager. Female Hepatic Tanagers are yellowish with olive tones, whereas female Scarlet Tanagers are more uniformly yellow-green.

Behaviour

The Scarlet Tanager is more secretive and often remains high in the canopy, while the Hepatic Tanager is more likely to be seen in open pine-oak areas.

Habitat

Hepatic Tanagers are typically found in montane pine-oak forests in the southwestern U.S. and Central America, while Scarlet Tanagers inhabit the deciduous forests of the eastern U.S. and southern Canada.

Voice

The Scarlet Tanager has a distinctive hoarse, burry song, which is quite different from the more varied and less distinctive calls of the Hepatic Tanager.