Scarlet Tanager in February
Where scarlet tanagers are in February, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
February in the Scarlet Tanager's year
February still feels like deep winter, but days are lengthening and the first stirrings of the breeding season begin — resident birds start singing on mild mornings and some early nesters are already claiming territories. Late-winter storms can be the hardest feeding days of the year.
For the Scarlet Tanager specifically, February is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 37 states and provinces where scarlet tanagers occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where scarlet tanagers are in February
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In February, scarlet tanagers are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in February
Scarlet tanagers are not nesting in February. The season runs May–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, scarlet tanagers put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in February
- Migrates to South America
A treetop bird that drops to birdbaths and jelly feeders during spring migration, especially after storms.
Don't let feeders run empty during late-winter storms; birds burn enormous energy staying warm. This is also the month to clean and repair nest boxes before early nesters move in.
Full Scarlet Tanager diet guide → · Best feeder for scarlet tanagers →
Watching scarlet tanagers this month
Scarlet tanagers are settled and predictable in February, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region scarlet tanagers are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Scarlet Tanager month by month
Scarlet Tanager by state
Frequently asked
Where are scarlet tanagers in February?
In February, scarlet tanagers are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do scarlet tanagers nest in February?
No — scarlet tanagers typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do scarlet tanagers eat in February?
Migrates to South America.
Sources
- Scarlet Tanager — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Scarlet Tanager life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Scarlet Tanager — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.