Scarlet Tanagers prefer to nest in deciduous woodlands. The female builds a loose cup nest of twigs and grasses well out on a limb. She incubates from 3 to 5 eggs that hatch in about 2 weeks. Both parents care for the young who leave the nest in another 2 weeks. Only one brood is raised each season (Baicich, R. J. and C. J. O. Harrison. 1997).
According to the web page of the Bird Banding Lab, a total of 30,405 Scarlet Tanagers were banded between 1955 and 1998. Of these, only 58 have been recovered, a recovery rate of 0.19%.
Banding studies show that Scarlet Tanagers are long distance migrants that can live more than 9 years in the wild.
If you should recover a banded bird, please report the band number to the Bird Banding Lab by calling 1-800-327-BAND.
Conservation Status & Economic Importance
Scarlet Tanager populations appear to be increasing in some areas of eastern US. Their adaptability to wooded parks and roadside shade trees may be a factor in their success. These birds consume large numbers of destructive insects and other invertebrate pests.
Baicich, R. J. and C. J. O. Harrison. 1997. A Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds, 2nd ed. Academic Press, NY.
Pyle, P. 1997. Identification Guide to North American Birds, Part I. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, CA.
Stiles, F. G. and A. F. Skutch. 1989. A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica. Cornell University Press, Ithica, NY.
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