North America is home to five strikingly colorful tanager species, each bringing a splash of red, yellow, or orange to the treetops. From the ruby-red scarlet tanager to the golden-hued western tanager, these birds aren’t just pretty—they also have rich, melodic songs that fill the forests in spring and summer. Though they were once classified as true tanagers, science has since grouped them with cardinals and grosbeaks. But no matter what family they belong to, spotting one of these bright birds flitting through the canopy is always a treat. Let’s take a look at the five types of tanagers you can find across the U.S. and where to see them!
Tanager Characteristics
First, let’s mention a slightly confusing fact about these tanagers versus the more southern species. The tanagers found in the U.S. were originally classified as true tanagers in the Thraupidae family, but have since been reclassified into the Cardinalidae family (the cardinal and grosbeak family). Genetic studies revealed that North American tanagers are more closely related to cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings than to true tanagers of the Thraupidae family, which are mainly found in South America.
Unlike true tanagers, which are mostly fruit eaters, U.S. tanagers have a diet that is more insect-heavy, especially during breeding season. Their song structure and nesting behaviors are also more similar to cardinals and grosbeaks. Today, they are still called tanagers due to their historical classification and appearance, but scientifically, they are no longer considered true tanagers.
That said, let’s look at some of the common characteristics of these North American tanagers:
- Medium-sized songbirds (typically 6-8 inches long).
- Brightly colored males (reds, oranges, yellows) with duller females (yellow or olive tones).
- Stout but slightly hooked beaks suited for eating insects and fruit.
- Omnivorous: Eat insects, fruit, and sometimes nectar.
- Forage high in the canopy, often catching insects mid-air or picking them off leaves and branches.
- Males often sing from treetops, producing rich, robin-like songs.
- Prefer woodlands, forests, and riparian areas.
- Found in deciduous or mixed forests, often near oak, pine, or sycamore trees.
- The vast majority migrate to Mexico, Central or South America in fall and spend the winter.
- Nest in trees, typically high up, using twigs, grass, and leaves. Females build the nests and incubate the eggs.
- Their nests are often targeted by cowbirds who will be aggressively chased away if seen.
5 Types of Tanagers in North America
Check here for tips on how to attract these tanager species to your yard!
1. Hepatic Tanager
- Scientific Name: Piranga flava
- Size: 3.5 – 7.9 inches
Hepatic tanagers are onl