Tanagers

There are maybe 200 species of Tanagers, most in the Western Hemisphere -- and mostly in South America. Only four species are common in the United States, with a fifth (the Flame Colored Tanager occasionally reported). The Hepatic Tanager is found primarily in Arizona and New Mexico, the Summer Tanager is found in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and the Southeastern US. The Western Tanager is found primarily in the Western half of the US while the Scarlet Tanager is found primarily in the Eastern half of the US. In each case it is the male that is the more colorful. This makes identifying the different female tanagers more difficult. Their diet varies, including berries, fruits, seeds, nectar, parts of flowers, and insects. In the backyard, Tanagers are attracted to jelly, so are bees. I've seen many a Tanager feed from the jelly and then take a bee. Tanagers are migratory and come to Arizona for the summer. They typically breed here during their stay.

Hepatic Tanager Female

Hepatic Tanager Male

Summer Tanager Female

Summer Tanager Male

Western Tanager Female

Western Tanager Male