Philadelphia, PA – According to WHYY, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced legislation to designate the scarlet tanager as the state’s official migratory bird, aiming to celebrate the Keystone State’s natural heritage and promote conservation efforts.
The scarlet tanager, a vibrant songbird known for its striking red plumage and black wings, migrates annually from South America to Pennsylvania’s forests for breeding before returning south in early fall. An estimated 13% of the bird’s breeding population resides in Pennsylvania, particularly in large forested areas. In the Philadelphia region, sightings are common in locations such as Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park.
State Representative Mandy Steele, a Democrat representing part of Allegheny County in western Pennsylvania, sponsored the bill. She emphasized that the designation provides an opportunity to inspire future generations to protect the environment. “This is a chance to celebrate our natural heritage while inspiring the next generation to protect it,” Steele stated.
Pennsylvania currently lacks an official state bird, unlike neighboring states such as New Jersey with its goldfinch and Delaware with the Blue Hen chicken. The state does recognize the ruffed grouse as its official game bird, a designation tied to the commonwealth’s long history of hunting and conservation. Bird experts, including David Toews, a biology professor at Pennsylvania State University specializing in songbirds, support adding the scarlet tanager without displacing the grouse. “If there’s room for two, I would say the scarlet tanager is an absolutely wonderful bird, deserving to be a pair for Pennsylvania,” Toews said.
The scarlet tanager‘s song resembles that of an American robin with a raspy tone, often described as a robin with a sore throat. Males display brilliant red bodies contrasting against the green forest canopy, making them a standout sight for birders. Toews noted their visibility: “A lot of people will be in the forest, they’ll hear what they think is a common species like a robin, and they’ll look up and they’ll see just like an explosion of red and black in the canopy.”
Beyond aesthetics, the bird serves as an indicator of forest health. Toews explained, “The scarlet tanager is a symbol of a healthy forest.” This role underscores the importance of preserving habitats amid ongoing proposals to develop or fragment woodlands at state and local levels. The species relies on mature forests for nesting and foraging, and their presence signals a balanced ecosystem.
However, scarlet tanager populations have declined since the 1960s due to habitat loss and forest fragmentation. Keith Russell, a birder and urban conservation program manager at Audubon Mid-Atlantic, recalled denser populations in the past: “I remember being at Carpenter’s Woods and seeing in one tree, at one time, about 20 scarlet tanagers. That will be unthinkable today. You’re lucky if you see three or four in one woodland in one day.”
The Audubon Society assisted in drafting the legislation and continues efforts to conserve forests for migratory birds. Although the designation does not grant legal protections, it raises public awareness, which can bolster local conservation initiatives. Russell highlighted the broader implications: “I think it helps people to just be aware of the fact that our forests are not just here to log or to have recreation in, but they’re also places that are nurseries for all these beautiful birds.”
The bill’s introduction comes about a century after national campaigns encouraged states to adopt official birds and flowers. While Pennsylvania’s ruffed grouse holds cultural significance with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, enthusiasts view the scarlet tanager as a complementary symbol of the state’s diverse avian life and ecological richness.
Supporters hope the measure will encourage ongoing forest preservation, ensuring that Pennsylvania’s woodlands remain vital nurseries for migratory species. As development pressures persist, such designations remind policymakers and residents of the interconnected benefits of healthy ecosystems, from biodiversity to environmental health. For more information, visit WHYY.