Scarlet Tanager

The Scarlet Tanager is one of North America's most stunning birds — the male in breeding plumage is an almost impossibly vivid scarlet red with jet-black wings, like a bird painted by an artist who refused to hold back. Despite their brilliance, they can be surprisingly hard to spot because they spend most of their time high in the canopy of mature deciduous forest, especially oaks. They're neotropical migrants that winter in South America and return to eastern Canada's forests each May. At feeders they're rare but unforgettable visitors, drawn primarily by fruit and berry offerings. Hearing their burry, robin-like song drifting down from the treetops is often your first clue that one is nearby.

Recommended Chirp & Maple foods

Best Foods for Scarlet Tanager

The right food depends on how this bird naturally feeds. Start with the core recommendations below, then build out your backyard setup with supporting and seasonal options.

How to Attract This Bird

Favourite foods

Scarlet Tanagers are stunning canopy birds that primarily eat insects and fruit. They rarely descend to feeders, but when they do, it's for fruit — raisins, dried cranberries, and oranges. In migration they may visit suet stations stocked with berry and fruit suet. Spotting one at your feeder is a genuine backyard birding highlight.

Best Feeder Types

Platform feeders and fruit trays placed in a semi-shaded spot near tall deciduous trees give you the best shot. Tanagers live in the forest canopy, so feeders near mature trees feel natural to them. Offering cut oranges, raisins, and fruit-rich blends on a platform feeder during spring and fall migration peaks your chances significantly.

Backyard Habitat Tips

Scarlet Tanagers live in the upper canopy of mature deciduous forest, especially oaks. If your property borders or includes mature hardwood forest, you're in tanager territory. Preserving large, mature trees — particularly oaks — is the most important habitat move. They nest high in the canopy and rarely descend below mid-height, so tall trees are non-negotiable. Maintaining a healthy understory with native shrubs beneath your canopy trees creates the layered forest structure they need for successful nesting.

Seen this bird at your feeder?

If you’ve spotted one, log your sighting and add it to your Backyard Bird List.

See what other birders are spotting — and start tracking what visits your feeder.

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Backyard Feeding Questions

A few simple answers to help you create a more active, bird-friendly backyard.

Do I need to feed birds every day?

No — but consistency helps. Birds quickly learn where reliable food sources are, so keeping feeders stocked regularly can lead to more frequent visits over time.

How long will it take birds to notice my feeder?

It depends on your location, season, and feeder setup. Some birds may find a new feeder quickly, while others take longer. Fresh food, a safe location, and consistency all help.

Are birds attracted to specific foods?

Yes. Different birds prefer different foods, feeder types, and feeding styles. Choosing the right blend or seed can make a big difference in which birds visit your backyard.

Build a Backyard They Return To

Start with the right food, keep feeding consistent, and create a space birds feel safe returning to again and again.

Small changes in food, feeder choice, and consistency can make a big difference.

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Best Foods for Scarlet Tanager

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Seasonal Food

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Backyard Feeding Questions