Bill would designate the scarlet tanager as Pennsylvania’s official migratory bird

This time of year, backyard bird enthusiasts are keeping an eye out for flashes of red.

Most of the year, it would probably be a male cardinal.

But in the spring, it might also be a scarlet tanager, which has been proposed for designation as Pennsylvania’s official state migratory bird.

“Scarlet Tanagers are beautiful, remarkable birds that also highlight so much of what makes Pennsylvania special,” said state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, the bill’s sponsor. “Healthy forests that this bird depends on play vital roles in the state’s outdoor recreation economy and forestry industries. Highlighting this species is a chance to celebrate our natural heritage while inspiring the next generation to protect it.”

Scarlet tanagers return in spring from the tropical forests of South America to breed throughout Pennsylvania. Though common, they are elusive, spending much of their lives in the leafy upper canopy of trees.

Males are bright crimson with black wings, and females are yellow-green.

Aububon Society officials said the tanager is a key indicator of healthy forest habitat.

“Pennsylvania plays an out sized role in the survival of the scarlet tanager, thanks to our extensive hardwood forests,” said Jim Brown, Audubon Mid-Atlantic policy director.

“Elevating this species underscores the importance of conservation, sustainable forest management, and habitat stewardship — values that resonate across party lines,” Steele said.

Pennsylvania already has several official state animals, including a state bird in the ruffed grouse.

The brook trout is the state fish; the Great Dane is the state dog; the Pennsylvania firefly is the state insect; the white-tailed deer is the state animal; and the Eastern hellbender is the state amphibian.