Scarlet Tanager

 The scarlet tanager is an American passerine. They breed through out the eastern half of the United States and parts of southeastern Canada. During this time they feed primarily on insects which they typically glean from th trunk and branches of trees at the top of the canopy. They will also catch flying insects in the air, like a flycatcher, and occasionally eat some fruit.

The scarlet tanager gets its name from the bright red color of the male. The females are yellow in color with the same black colored wings that the male has. In the fall males will molt and change from their bright scarlet colored plumage to a yellow color similar to the normal female plumage. The bird above was photographed in mid molt. The tanagers will then migrate south, flying over the Gulf of Mexico to winter in Northern South America. Their they will join mixed feeding flocks of tanagers, flycatchers and other tropical birds.  

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

 The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common hummingbird found in North America. They are the only hummingbird that breeds in the eastern half of the continent, most of which is included in their breeding territory. During the winter they migrate to southern Mexico and Central America.

 Hummingbirds have very short legs. This makes it very difficult for them to walk or hop. Typically they hover or fly to get from one spot to another. While hovering or flying their wings can beat at approximately 53 times per second.