Tanager << TAN uh juhr >> is the common name for dozens of American birds, many of which have brilliant red, blue, or green feathers. Tanagers are from 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, and are usually found in the forests, where they feed on insects, fruits, and flowers. Most tanagers live in Central and South America. The smaller number of species that live in the United States are not closely related to other tanagers.
The well-known scarlet tanager has a loud, cheery song somewhat like that of the robin. Scarlet tanagers nest in the Eastern United States and as far north as Eastern Canada. They are sometimes called firebirds. The male has bright red feathers, with velvety black wings and tail. The female is dull yellow below and olive-green above, with darker wings and tail. The tanager builds its frail, saucer-shaped nest near the end of a horizontal limb. The female lays three to five bluish-green eggs with reddish-brown markings.
Scarlet tanager
In the Southern States, the summer tanager is a familiar bird. It has rosy-red feathers. Its nesting habits are much like those of the scarlet tanager. The western tanager, or Louisiana tanager, lives in summer from the Rockies to the Pacific Coast. The male has a black back, tail, and wings, red head, and yellow underparts.
Summer tanager
The tanagers eat many types of insects, including some insect pests. The western tanager has a great fondness for cherries and may harm cherry orchards.
