The Summer Tanager, a striking red songbird, is a common sight during the warmer months in Arkansas. Recognized as the only entirely red bird in North America, this species is notable for its distinct appearance and specialized diet.
Male Summer Tanagers are easily identified by their bright red plumage and pale bills, while females display a yellowish-green coloration. Both are typically found in open woodlands, often high in the canopy, where they can sometimes go unnoticed despite their vibrant hues. They are most commonly seen in the southern and eastern United States during the breeding season.
One of the bird’s unique traits is its diet. Summer Tanagers feed primarily on bees and wasps, skillfully removing the stingers before consuming them. Their diet also includes fruit and other insects, but their ability to handle stinging insects is particularly distinctive.
As long-distance migrants, these birds make their way to Central and South America for the winter months, returning each spring to nest and breed in North America. Their robin-like song adds a melodious background to Arkansas woodlands during the summer.
Whether spotted in the tree canopy or admired for their bright colors, the Summer Tanager remains a remarkable part of Arkansas’ natural beauty and biodiversity.