The scarlet tanager has a very distinctive bird call. The male’s song is often described as a repetitive “chip-burrr” or “pit-a-tuck.” It is a short, hoarse series of notes that sound like “chick-burr” or “chick-burr chick.” The burry sounding notes are lower pitched and almost sound like a soft rolling trill. Females may also sing, but their vocalizations are not as elaborate as the males’. The scarlet tanager’s call is often said to resemble the sound of a robin’s song played on a xylophone.
What do scarlet tanagers sound like?
Here are some key things to know about the scarlet tanager’s call and song:
- The song is a series of 2-6 brief notes that sound like “chip-burrr” or “chick-burr.”
- The first “chip” notes are higher pitched and the “burr” notes are lower pitched.
- The song repeats over and over, sometimes up to 6 times in a row.
- Males sing most actively when establishing territories and attracting mates.
- Females may also sing, but their songs are less complex than males’.
- Scarlet tanager songs have an almost xylophone-like quality.
- The burry trilling part of the song resembles a robin’s song.
- Tanagers sometimes make a fast “chip chip chip” call when alarmed.
To summarize, the scarlet tanager’s repetitive “chip-burrr” song has a distinctive xylophone or robin-like quality that makes it easily recognizable. Listen for the higher “chip” notes alternating with the rolling, burry “burrr” sounds.
Where can you hear the scarlet tanager’s call?
The scarlet tanager breeds in deciduous and mixed forests across much of the eastern United States and Canada. Here are some tips on where and when you can hear its iconic call:
- Look for scarlet tanagers in mature forests with tall trees. They prefer interior forest habitat over edges or open areas.
- National parks like Acadia, Shenandoah, and Great Smoky Mountains provide good habitat. State parks and local nature reserves are also options.
- Aim to visit between April and August. This coincides with breeding season when males sing actively to attract mates.
- Go during the morning or evening when tanagers are most vocal.
- Pick a spot near potential territories, like forest clearings or trailsides. Listen and watch the canopy for movement.
- Use birdwatching apps to find hotspots for scarlet tanager sightings near you.
With some knowledge of their habitat and peak activity periods, you can time your visit to forests where scarlet tanagers live to maximize your chances of hearing their distinct vocalizations firsthand.
What does the scarlet tanager’s song sound like compared to other birds?
The scarlet tanager’s call stands out from other forest birds. Here’s how it compares to some common species:
Bird | Call/Song Description |
---|---|
Scarlet Tanager | Series of 2-6 “chip-burrr” notes with burry trills |
American Robin | Melodic phrases of clear whistled notes |
Black-capped Chickadee | Fast “chick-a-dee-dee” with higher “dee” notes |
Northern Cardinal | Loud, sharp “cheer cheer” whistles |
Eastern Wood-Pewee | Plaintive, rising “pee-ah-wee” call |
The scarlet tanager’s repeated short phrases with rolling burry notes give it a distinct vocal style compared to other common forest songbirds. Becoming familiar with its sound makes it easier to pick out among the dawn chorus.
Why does the scarlet tanager make this call?
Male scarlet tanagers sing their repetitive chip-burr song for two main reasons:
- To attract mates: The males’ songs advertise their fitness. Females are believed to choose males based in part on vocal performance and complexity. The better the song, the more appealing a potential mate.
- To defend territories: Males sing from prominent high perches. Their songs communicate occupancy and ward off rivals. Their vocalizations proclaim their territory and tell other males to stay away.
Females may also sing, but their songs are less elaborate. They use simpler vocalizations to communicate with mates and defend the area around their nest.
Scarlet tanager vocalizations – both the complex songs of males and simpler calls of females – play an important role in courtship rituals and breeding behaviors.
How does the scarlet tanager’s call change throughout the year?
The scarlet tanager’s singing patterns shift over the course of the breeding season:
- Early spring: Males sing the most actively upon arrival at the breeding grounds, vigorously staking their claim on territories.
- Peak breeding season: High singing rates continue through courtship and mating. The repetitive songs help keep pairs connected.
- Nesting period: Singing declines but continues as pairs raise young, though not as vigorously.
- Fledging period: Males increase singing as they prepare to depart in late summer, defending territories for the last time.
- Fall and winter: Tanagers are relatively quiet on their migration and wintering grounds in South America.
Singing reaches its peak during courtship and nesting in May-July. It tapers off as summer winds down but rises again briefly before fall migration in August-September.
How weather affects scarlet tanager calls
Weather can also impact daily and seasonal singing routines. Here are some patterns:
- Males sing more on warmer, sunny days in spring and summer.
- Rainy or cloudy weather suppresses singing activity.
- Hot mid-day temps decrease vocalizations, which pick up again in cooler mornings and evenings.
- High winds can limit song output.
In optimal spring conditions with mild temperatures, sunny skies, and little wind, expect energetic dawn singing with a secondary peak around dusk.
Conclusion
The scarlet tanager’s repetitive “chip-burrr” song is a classic sound of the spring and summer forest. The burry, almost xylophone-like vocals are distinct from other forest birds. Understanding subtle features of the call and when it is most likely to occur improves your chances of detecting this colorful songster. Listening for the scarlet tanager’s upbeat tune can add an exciting dimension to a walk in the woods during breeding season across much of eastern North America.