Summer Tanager vs Scarlet Tanager

The Summer Tanager and Scarlet Tanager are both vibrant red songbirds, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and habitat preferences. The male Summer Tanager is uniformly red, while the male Scarlet Tanager has a striking black wing and tail contrast. Both species are found in different forest types, with the Scarlet Tanager preferring dense deciduous forests and the Summer Tanager favoring open woodlands.

Male plumage: Look for the black wings and tail of the Scarlet Tanager. Female plumage: Note the olive-yellow of the Scarlet Tanager versus the yellowish Summer Tanager. Habitat: Observe the forest type; dense forests suggest Scarlet Tanager, open woodlands suggest Summer Tanager. Vocalizations: Listen for the distinct burry song of the Scarlet Tanager.

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

Male Summer Tanagers are entirely red, while male Scarlet Tanagers have black wings and tails. Female Summer Tanagers are yellowish, whereas female Scarlet Tanagers are olive-yellow with darker wings.

Both species are insectivorous, but the Scarlet Tanager is more secretive and often stays high in the canopy. The Summer Tanager is known for its bee and wasp diet.

Scarlet Tanagers prefer dense deciduous forests, while Summer Tanagers are found in open woodlands, often near edges or gaps. The Scarlet Tanager is sensitive to forest fragmentation.

The Scarlet Tanager has a hoarse, burry song, while the Summer Tanager's song is more melodic. Calls differ, with the Scarlet Tanager's being more distinctive.