Getting scarlet tanagers to come to your bird feeder can be a rewarding experience. With their brilliant red bodies and black wings, these striking birds will add a pop of color to your backyard. However, scarlet tanagers can be shy and elusive, so attracting them takes a bit of patience and strategic planning.
What do scarlet tanagers eat?
The first step is understanding what scarlet tanagers like to eat. In the wild, these birds forage for insects and fruit. Some of their favorite foods include:
- Bees
- Wasps
- Flies
- Butterflies
- Moths
- Dragonflies
- Damselflies
- Caterpillars
- Spiders
- Berries
- Figs
- Mulberries
This diet is very high in protein from all the insects they consume. During nesting season, scarlet tanagers rely heavily on bees and wasps to feed their young. The fruit provides carbohydrates and nutrients.
Offer high protein foods
To attract scarlet tanagers to your yard, you need to provide food that mimics their natural diet. Protein-rich options are key. Here are some good choices:
- Mealworms
- Live crickets
- Dried insects
- Sliced nuts and seeds
- Suet with insects
- Peanut butter
- Freeze-dried bloodworms
Mealworms and crickets provide movement that will catch a tanager’s attention. Dried insects, nut pieces, suet, peanut butter, and bloodworms offer excellent nutrients. Offering a combination of these foods provides options a tanager will find appealing.
Add fruit for carbohydrates
Scarlet tanagers also need fruit in their diet. Try offering:
- Chopped berries
- Sliced grapes
- Chopped figs or dried figs
- Chopped apples
- Melon chunks
- Banana slices
Chop the fruits into small pieces to make them easier for the tanagers to eat. Skewer sliced grapes or bananas onto a shish kabob skewer so they are easy to hang on a feeder.
Use special feeders
To serve up these foods, use feeders designed for fruit and insects. Some good options include:
- Mesh fruit feeders
- Jelly feeders
- Suet cages with large slots
- Oriole feeders
- Tray feeders
The fruit feeders have wider mesh to hold pieces ofchopped fruits. Jelly feeders let you serve up fruit jelly, which tanagers will enjoy. Suet feeders should have large slots that allow access to insects and nut pieces. Oriole feeders have a similar design. Platform tray feeders give you a space to spread out a variety of food.
Use grape jelly
One secret weapon for attracting scarlet tanagers is grape jelly. These birds seem to love the sweet treat. Use a jelly feeder or smear some jelly onto a platform feeder. Make sure to offer jelly along with protein foods as an entire diet of just jelly is not healthy.
Strategic feeder placement
Where you place the feeders is also important. Here are some tips:
- Set feeders near trees or shrubs where tanagers may perch before approaching
- Elevate feeders at least 5 feet off the ground
- Place feeders in a quiet spot away from busy activity
- Avoid setting feeders in direct sunlight which can spoil food
Positioning feeders near trees or bushes provides a landing spot for the tanagers to scope things out and build up courage. Elevating feeders makes birds feel safer from predators. Situating feeders in peaceful areas of your yard reduces distractions. Avoiding direct sun prevents food from spoiling.
Offer fresh water
Like all birds, scarlet tanagers need a reliable water source. Having a bird bath or fountain nearby gives them a place to drink and bathe. Change the water daily to keep it clean. Adding a water dripper or mister provides drinking water on demand.
Protect from other birds
Scarlet tanagers can be intimidated by larger, more aggressive birds. To give them space, use feeders that restrict access. Some options include:
- Feeders with short perches or small openings
- Feeders covered in wire mesh with 1-inch openings
- Feeders with cage or tubular protective covering
The restricted access limits bigger birds but still allows scarlet tanagers to reach the food. Placing feeders in somewhat secluded spots also helps reduce bullying.
Be patient
It can take a little time for scarlet tanagers to discover and get accustomed to new feeders. Keep the feeders stocked with fresh food every day without letting supplies run out. The frequent fresh food will build up their trust. Don’t give up too quickly. It may take a couple weeks of consistency before the tanagers become feeder regulars.
Avoid disturbing nesting areas
Scarlet tanagers are sensitive to disturbance during nesting season. Avoid trimming trees and bushes or doing yard work near where they nest from late April through July. The less disruption near the nest site, the better.
Enjoy their beauty
When scarlet tanagers finally do arrive, appreciate the burst of color they bring. Watching their feeding behaviors and interactions can be fascinating. With the right technique, you’ll be rewarded with a flash of red feathers as the tanagers stop by for a bite.
Conclusion
With some strategic planning and patience, you can have scarlet tanagers feeding in your yard. Focus on providing enticing, protein-rich foods using specialized feeders in secure, peaceful spots. Don’t forget fruit and fresh water too. Avoid disturbing nesting zones during breeding season. If you create an appealing habitat and give them time to adjust, the tanagers will add brilliant color to your bird watching.
