THE FLAME-COLORED TANAGER

Male

Bird in Brief: Flame-Colored Tanager (Piranga bidentata)

• Males are brightly colored with orange-red coloring and darker wings and tails

• Females are more yellow-orange

• Length: 7 to 7.5 inches (18 to 19 cm.)

• Typically inhabit woodlands in Mexico and Central America

• Rarely seen in the U.S., but has started breeding in Arizona and also spotted in Texas

• Nests made from twigs and grasses placed anywhere from higher tree branches to lower shrubs in fairly open areas

• Forage for insects in the treetops and berries near the ground

• Lines of army ants carrying wasp larvae provide “2-for1” bonus meal

Source: BirdAdvisors.com