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Scarlet Tanager Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Scarlet Tanagers are medium-sized songbirds with fairly stocky proportions. They have thick, rounded bills suitable both for catching insects and eating fruit. The head is fairly large and the tail is somewhat short and broad.

    Relative Size

    Slightly smaller than a Northern Cardinal; larger than a Yellow Warbler.

    Relative Sizebetween sparrow and robinbetween sparrow and robin

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 6.3-6.7 in (16-17 cm)
      • Weight: 0.8-1.3 oz (23-38 g)
      • Wingspan: 9.8-11.4 in (25-29 cm)