The Scarlet Tanager is a passage migrant with vibrant colors that can be seen virtually all around the country, from September to November when it goes to the south, and then from March to May on its way back to North America. The male in breeding plumage has a red body, while the non-breeding male and the female have yellowish body. In all plumages, this species is differentiated from the Summer Tanager (another migrant) by the black wings, while the Summer Tanager is either entirely red or yellowish depending on sex. Both species are very similar and can be difficult to identify to the untrained eye.

Close up portrait of a female perched on a small branch. The black wings are a definite mark to differentiate against the Summer Tanager