SUMMER TANAGER

This species often overshoots its migration and is frequently on Pelee Island, at Point Pelee National Park, Ojibway Park and Kopegaren Woods.  Immatures males, with their mix of lime green and red feathers are most often the individuals spotted.  Summer Tanagers like to eat bees, so if you can find a tree with an active bee hive, you’ll often find this species feasting on insects.  This species is also commonly noted in “reverse” migration events at Point Pelee National Park and on Pelee Island.  Some birds make adjustments after landing and will be seen leaving the Tip of the park and Fish Point on Pelee Island.

The only entirely red bird in North America, the Summer Tanager is a bird of southern forests. It specializes in eating bees and wasps, both in the summer and on its wintering grounds in Central and South America.

Adult Description
Medium-sized songbird.
Male entirely red; female dull yellow.

Male Description
Entirely bright red. Wings slightly darker or more gray, especially in winter (Basic Plumage).

Female Description
Upper parts plain yellowish olive green. Brighter yellow on crown and rump. Underparts dull yellow, with olive green wash on sides. Wing feathers grayish brown with yellow edging. Some females have red feathers. The red may be as a wash on body feathers, splotches of red feathers, or, rarely, the bird may be entirely red.

Immature Description
Immature resembles adult female. First spring male with variable amount of red and yellow feathers; may have only a few red feathers on head, or may be entirely red except for the wing feathers.

*Image and description were sourced from: allaboutbirds.org