Scarlet Tanager vs Flame-coloured Tanager

In short

The Scarlet Tanager and Flame-colored Tanager are both strikingly colored members of the genus Piranga, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and vocalizations. The Scarlet Tanager is found in eastern North America, while the Flame-colored Tanager inhabits parts of Central America. Both species prefer forested habitats but differ in their geographical ranges.

Identification tips

1. Location: Scarlet Tanagers are in eastern North America; Flame-colored Tanagers are in Central America. 2. Male Plumage: Scarlet Tanagers are vivid red with black wings; Flame-colored Tanagers are orange-red. 3. Female Plumage: Scarlet females are olive-yellow; Flame-colored females are more orange-yellow. 4. Vocalizations: Listen for the Scarlet Tanager's hoarse song and 'chick-burr' call. 5. Habitat: Consider the forest type and geographical range.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of tanagers, with no significant differences in structure noted.

Plumage

Male Scarlet Tanagers are vivid red with black wings and tail, while male Flame-colored Tanagers are orange-red with darker wings and tail. Females and immature males of both species are more subdued, but the Scarlet Tanager female is olive-yellow, and the Flame-colored Tanager female is more orange-yellow.

Behaviour

Both species are insectivorous and forage in the canopy, but the Scarlet Tanager is more secretive and less frequently seen in open areas compared to the Flame-colored Tanager.

Habitat

Scarlet Tanagers breed in the Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome of North America, while Flame-colored Tanagers are found in montane forests of Central America. Both prefer forest interiors but differ in their geographical range.

Voice

The Scarlet Tanager's song is a hoarse, burry series of phrases, while the Flame-colored Tanager's song is more musical and less harsh. Calls also differ, with the Scarlet Tanager having a distinctive 'chick-burr' call.