Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)

The Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is a moderately-sized member of the Cardinalidae family, known for its brilliant scarlet with jet-black wings. Along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, this species is a spring, fall visitor, frequenting the deciduous forest canopy that characterize much of northwestern Oklahoma's diverse landscape. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet, Oklahoma, serves as one of the premier locations for observing this species in the Central Flyway corridor.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Piranga olivacea
Family	Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Grosbeaks)
Size	9-14 inches (23-36 cm) in length, weighing approximately 3-10 ounces (85-280 grams)
Habitat	Deciduous forest canopy
Diet	Insects and berries
Seasons in Oklahoma	Spring, Fall
Conservation Status	Least Concern

Identification Guide

When identifying the Scarlet Tanager in the field, look for the brilliant scarlet with jet-black wings. This species measures approximately 9-14 inches (23-36 cm) in length, weighing approximately 3-10 ounces (85-280 grams). In the deciduous forest canopy habitats typical of northwestern Oklahoma, careful observation will reveal the distinctive features that separate this species from similar birds in the area.

Physical Description

The Scarlet Tanager presents brilliant scarlet with jet-black wings, making it a rewarding find for Central Flyway birders. This species belongs to the cardinals and grosbeaks group and shares the deciduous forest canopy with several related species, though careful observation reveals the unique characteristics that make the Scarlet Tanager unmistakable.

The Scarlet Tanager feeds primarily on insects and berries, and observing feeding behavior can be an excellent identification tool. Watch for this species foraging in deciduous forest canopy throughout the Salt Plains region and surrounding areas of the Central Flyway.

Tips for Field Identification

Males and females may differ in appearance, so familiarizing yourself with both plumages will improve your identification success rate during visits to the Central Flyway.

Key field marks to look for include:

Size and shape: 9-14 inches (23-36 cm) in length, weighing approximately 3-10 ounces (85-280 grams), with a build typical of cardinals and grosbeaks
Distinctive features: Brilliant scarlet with jet-black wings
Behavior: Watch for feeding activity in deciduous forest canopy
Voice: Listen for this species' characteristic calls, which are often the first indication of its presence in dense vegetation

Habitat and Range Along the Central Flyway

The Central Flyway stretches from the Arctic tundra of Canada through the Great Plains of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond into Central and South America. Oklahoma sits at a critical juncture in this migratory corridor, and the Scarlet Tanager takes full advantage of the state's deciduous forest canopy during its seasonal visits.

In northwestern Oklahoma, the Scarlet Tanager primarily inhabits deciduous forest canopy. The unique geography of the Salt Plains region, where the Great Salt Plains create a mosaic of salt flats, shallow wetlands, grasslands, and wooded riparian corridors, provides exceptional habitat diversity that supports the Scarlet Tanager alongside hundreds of other bird species.

The Scarlet Tanager's range along the Central Flyway extends through the heart of the Great Plains, with Oklahoma representing a critical migration stopover.

Seasonal Presence in Oklahoma

Spring is an excellent time to observe Scarlet Tanagers in the Central Flyway as they move northward through Oklahoma. The Salt Plains area becomes particularly active from mid-March through May, with Scarlet Tanagers frequenting deciduous forest canopy throughout the region. Early morning hours along the shores of Salt Plains Lake and the surrounding refuge lands offer prime viewing opportunities during this season.

Fall migration brings Scarlet Tanagers through the Central Flyway in significant numbers from September through November. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge becomes a critical stopover point as these birds refuel for their continued journey. Birders stationed along SH 64 between Cherokee and Jet often report sightings during this peak migration period.

Migration Patterns

The Scarlet Tanager's migration through the Central Flyway follows patterns that have been refined over thousands of generations. In Oklahoma, the timing of arrivals and departures varies somewhat from year to year depending on weather patterns, but generally follows predictable seasonal rhythms. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1930, has provided a consistent and protected stopover point for migrating Scarlet Tanagers throughout its history.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

The Scarlet Tanager sustains itself on insects and berries, a diet well-suited to the resources available in deciduous forest canopy throughout the Central Flyway. In the Salt Plains region of northwestern Oklahoma, this species has adapted its foraging strategies to take advantage of the unique combination of habitats available.

The Scarlet Tanager's feeding behavior is well-adapted to the deciduous forest canopy of the Central Flyway region. In northwestern Oklahoma, this species has found abundant food resources in the diverse habitats surrounding Salt Plains Lake and the associated refuge lands.

Seasonal changes in food availability influence the Scarlet Tanager's diet throughout the year. During spring and summer, increased insect populations often supplement the diet, while fall and winter may see a greater reliance on seeds, berries, or other seasonal food sources available in the region.

Conservation Status

The Scarlet Tanager is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable and healthy population across its range. In the Central Flyway, this species benefits from the protected habitats at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and other conservation lands throughout northwestern Oklahoma. However, ongoing habitat management and monitoring remain important to ensure this species continues to thrive in the region.

Threats and Challenges

The primary threats facing the Scarlet Tanager in the Central Flyway include:

Habitat loss and fragmentation: Conversion of deciduous forest canopy to agricultural or developed land reduces available habitat
Climate change: Shifting weather patterns may alter the timing of migration and availability of food resources
Human disturbance: Recreational activities near sensitive habitats can disrupt feeding and nesting behaviors
Pesticide exposure: Agricultural chemicals can reduce insect prey populations and cause direct toxicity

Conservation Efforts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's network of wildlife refuges, state parks, and conservation areas provides essential protected habitat for the Scarlet Tanager and many other Central Flyway species. Key conservation initiatives include:

Ongoing habitat management at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (580-626-4794)
Water level management to maintain optimal wetland conditions
Grassland restoration programs throughout northwestern Oklahoma
Citizen science programs including Christmas Bird Counts and breeding bird surveys
Educational programs at Great Salt Plains State Park (580-626-4731)

Best Viewing Locations

For birders hoping to observe the Scarlet Tanager along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, these locations offer the best opportunities:

1. Salt Fork of the Arkansas River corridor

This area provides suitable deciduous forest canopy habitat for the Scarlet Tanager and is worth exploring during spring, fall when this species is present in the Central Flyway region. Check local conditions before visiting and respect all posted regulations to help protect wildlife habitat.

2. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

The flagship birding destination of northwestern Oklahoma, Salt Plains NWR encompasses over 32,000 acres of salt flats, wetlands, and grasslands. The refuge, located along SH 64 and SH 38 north of Jet, Oklahoma, is home to 312 documented bird species and provides excellent habitat for the Scarlet Tanager. Contact the refuge at 580-626-4794 for current conditions and viewing recommendations.

3. Glass Mountains

4. Great Salt Plains State Park

Adjacent to the national wildlife refuge, the state park offers additional viewing opportunities along with camping, hiking, and the famous crystal digging area. The park's diverse habitats support the Scarlet Tanager throughout its seasonal presence. Contact the park at 580-626-4731 for visitor information.

5. Canton Lake

Canton Lake offers diverse aquatic and grassland habitats that support the Scarlet Tanager during its time in the Central Flyway. The lake's varied shoreline and surrounding uplands provide multiple viewing angles and habitat types for birders to explore.

Birding Tips for Observing the Scarlet Tanager

Best time of day: Early morning hours typically offer the most active viewing, especially during spring migration
Equipment: A quality pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) is essential, and a spotting scope can be helpful for detailed observation
Patience: Allow time for the bird to exhibit natural behaviors
Respect wildlife: Maintain appropriate distances and avoid disturbing nesting or roosting birds
Record your sightings: Report observations to eBird to contribute to scientific knowledge of the Scarlet Tanager in the Central Flyway

Related Species

Other cardinals and grosbeaks you may encounter while birding in the Central Flyway:

This guide is part of the CherPub Central Flyway Bird Guide series, covering all 312+ bird species documented at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and throughout Oklahoma's Central Flyway corridor. For more information about birding in northwestern Oklahoma, visit Salt Plains NWR or contact the refuge at 580-626-4794.