For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been catching fleeting glimpses of a beautiful visitor in my Arkansas yard—an immature female Summer Tanager. After many patient moments and quick glances through the trees, I finally managed to capture a photo of her perched gracefully in one of my oak trees. A big thanks to Mia McPherson for helping me confirm the identification of this lovely bird.
Appearance and Identification
Immature female Summer Tanagers are a sight to behold with their distinct and somewhat understated beauty. Here’s what to look for:
- Coloration: These young females are primarily yellowish-orange, with wings and upperparts that have a greener tint. Unlike their male counterparts, they lack the bright red coloration, which makes them stand out in a more subtle way.
- Plumage: Their overall orange-yellow tone can sometimes lead to confusion with female Scarlet Tanagers, but the Summer Tanager has a more consistent yellowish hue that sets them apart.
- Bill: One of the key identifying features is their pale, thick bill. This is a characteristic that helps distinguish them from other tanager species you might spot in the area.
Habitat and Behavior
In Arkansas, these immature female Summer Tanagers are commonly found in a few specific types of habitats:
- Woodlands: They favor open deciduous woodlands, especially those rich with oak and hickory trees.
- Edges and Clearings: They also thrive along the edges of forests and in clearings where sunlight filters through.
- Suburban Areas: Don’t be surprised if you see them in parks or wooded suburban areas, as they adapt well to these environments.
Their behavior is equally fascinating:
- Foraging: They tend to forage primarily in the mid to upper levels of the forest canopy, moving slowly and deliberately as they search for food.
- Flight Patterns: Occasionally, you’ll see them take quick flights out from their perch to catch insects in mid-air, showcasing their agility and skill.
Diet and Feeding
The diet of these young Summer Tanagers is varied and interesting, particularly in Arkansas:
- Insects: They have a particular fondness for bees and wasps, making these insects a significant part of their diet.
- Other Prey: Their diet also includes beetles, cicadas, caterpillars, and spiders—whatever they can find as they move through the trees.
- Fruits: Outside of the breeding season, they also consume some berries and small fruits, adding a bit of variety to their menu.
Migration Patterns
Like many birds in Arkansas, the immature female Summer Tanager is a migratory species:
- Arrival: They typically arrive in Arkansas during the breeding season, which starts around mid-April to early May.
- Migration: As summer fades into fall, they begin their migration south, heading towards wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
- Nocturnal Flights: These birds are nocturnal migrants, often making long, impressive flights across the Gulf of Mexico under the cover of darkness.
Having the chance to observe and photograph this immature female Summer Tanager in my own yard has been a wonderful experience. With their subtle beauty and interesting behaviors, they’re a joy to watch and a reminder of the incredible diversity of birdlife we have here in Arkansas. Keep an eye out in your own yards and local woodlands—you never know what you might see!