Watercolor portrait of Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra
A migratory breeder in the U Open deciduous or mixed woodlands, espec… Common Song

Learn to identify the Summer Tanager by ear. Master the "pit-a-tuck pit-a-tuck... (like a lazy robin)" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“pit-a-tuck pit-a-tuck... (like a lazy robin)”

What the Summer Tanager sounds like

A medium-sized songbird with an uncrested thick head and a hefty pale bill. Adult males are entirely rosy red – the only completely red bird in North America with no other markings. Females are mustard-yellow to yellow-olive, duller on the back and brighter below. Both sexes have no wing bars and an overall smooth, uniform color.

“pit-a-tuck pit-a-tuck... (like a lazy robin)”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A series of short, melodious phrases resembling an American Robin's song, but softer, sweeter, and more slurred. It often sounds like a lazy, whistled warble. Males sing "pipi-tuck-p'truck" phrases from high perches to advertise and attract mates. Often written as “pit-a-tuck pit-a-tuck... (like a lazy robin)”.
Don't confuse with:The Scarlet Tanager — male scarlet tanager is also red but has black wings and tail, whereas the summer tanager male is red all over.

Where you'll hear it

Open deciduous or mixed woodlands, especially with oak, mesquite, or other trees that host plenty of insects. Often found along forest edges, clearings, and near streams. Breeds commonly in the Southeast, Midwest, and south-central U.S., as well as parts of the Southwest. In the West they favor riparian cottonwood forests in lowlands.

In spring, males arrive from the tropics and immediately begin singing a robin-like dawn song and issuing their distinctive "pit-ti-tuck" calls. Pairs form quickly and nesting begins by early summer. During summer the birds specialize in catching wasps and bees, often high in the canopy, and raising typically one brood. Come late summer, they fatten up on berries (they can accumulate large fat reserves for migration) before migrating. By fall, most have left the U.S., crossing the Gulf of Mexico or moving through Mexico. In winter, they live quietly in tropical forests and semi-open areas of Central and South America.

Similar species

Scarlet Tanager

Male Scarlet Tanager is also red but has black wings and tail, whereas the Summer Tanager male is red all over.

Northern Cardinal

Male cardinal is red but has a pointed crest and a black face mask, and a much stouter, red bill – very different head profile.

Summer Tanager song FAQ

What does a Summer Tanager sound like?
A series of short, melodious phrases resembling an American Robin's song, but softer, sweeter, and more slurred. It often sounds like a lazy, whistled warble. Males sing "pipi-tuck-p'truck" phrases from high perches to advertise and attract mates. Listen for the "pit-a-tuck pit-a-tuck... (like a lazy robin)" phrase.
How do I tell a Summer Tanager from a Scarlet Tanager by sound?
Scarlet Tanager: Male Scarlet Tanager is also red but has black wings and tail, whereas the Summer Tanager male is red all over.; Female Scarlet Tanager is more greenish-yellow with darker gray wings, and a smaller darker bill. Also, Scarlet Tanagers prefer mature forest interiors, while Summers favor more open woods..
When is the best time to hear a Summer Tanager?
In spring, males arrive from the tropics and immediately begin singing a robin-like dawn song and issuing their distinctive "pit-ti-tuck" calls. Pairs form quickly and nesting begins by early summer. During summer the birds specialize in catching wasps and bees, often high in the canopy, and raising typically one brood. Come late summer, they fatten up on berries (they can accumulate large fat reserves for migration) before migrating. By fall, most have left the U.S., crossing the Gulf of Mexico or moving through Mexico. In winter, they live quietly in tropical forests and semi-open areas of Central and South America.