scarlet tanager

[ skahr-lit tan-uh-jer ]

noun

1. an American songbird, Piranga olivacea, the male of which is bright red with black wings and tail: recently classified as a member of the cardinal family rather than the tanager family, the scarlet tanager breeds across eastern North America and migrates to northwestern South America.

scarlet tanager

noun

1. an E North American tanager, Piranga olivacea, the male of which has a bright red head and body with black wings and tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarlet tanager¹

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

News of the arrival of the scarlet tanager - more usually found in the forests of North America - broke last weekend, sending birdwatchers into a state of excitement.

From BBC

The scarlet tanager is Mr Nash's 435th species spotted in Britain.

From BBC

“It’s from a scarlet tanager. Tia Rosario found it in the Dominican Republic and just brought it back for me. Isn’t it beautiful?”

From Literature

Along nearby Hog Bayou, blue buntings and scarlet tanagers dart through magnolia branches and skinks skitter up trees.

From Seattle Times

In Indiana, Matt Igleski, a birding guide, said his spring showstopper is the flashy scarlet tanager.

From New York Times