Wasps might seem like nothing more than a summer nuisance, buzzing around your BBQ and threatening to sting. But there’s a natural and elegant solution to your wasp woes: the Summer Tanager.
These birds are like nature’s pest control experts. Summer Tanagers are incredible at catching bees and wasps right out of the air. They snatch these insects mid-flight, then fly to a perch and slam their catch against a branch to kill it. To make sure it’s safe to eat, they even wipe the insect against the branch to remove the stinger.
But that’s not all. Summer Tanagers will tear open wasp nests to feast on the larvae inside. They have quite the appetite and will also eat other insects, spiders, fruits, and berries. This diverse diet means they help control pests throughout the summer and even during the winter months.
Summer Tanagers: Wasp Hunters
The Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) is a vibrant bird native to North and South America. Known for its striking red plumage in males and yellow-green feathers in females, this bird is as beautiful as it is beneficial. Preferring warm climates, Summer Tanagers are often found in forested areas, open woodlands, and along streams. Their range spans from the southern United States, through Central America, and into northern South America.
Nicknamed the “beebird,” the Summer Tanager is famous for its diet of bees, making it a controversial figure around apiaries. Beekeepers often see them as pests due to their tendency to prey on bees. However, this insectivorous bird plays a crucial role in controlling bee and wasp populations. Its diet includes a variety of flying and non-flying insects, such as cicadas, grasshoppers, ants, beetles, dragonflies, grubs, caterpillars, weevils, and spiders.
Summer Tanagers are exceptional flycatchers, known for their ability to seize adult bees and wasps mid-flight. Once caught, they fly back to a perch and beat the insect against a branch until it dies. To ensure a safe meal, they wipe the insect on the branch to remove the stinger before eating it. One of their favorite foods is wasp larvae and pupae. They will harass or kill adult wasps guarding the nests, leaving the nest abandoned. By tearing open the paper covering, they can easily access and consume the larvae.
Besides their primary diet of bees and wasps, Summer Tanagers also enjoy fruits and berries, especially during the late breeding season, migration, and on their wintering grounds. Their fruity menu includes blackberries, blueberries, whortleberries, mulberries, pokeweed, citrus, plantains, and bananas.
Attracting Summer Tanagers to Your Yard
These vibrant, wasp-eating birds are a delight to watch, and with a bit of planning, you can make your yard their summer hangout. Here’s how to do it:
Create the Perfect Habitat
Summer Tanagers thrive in areas with tall trees and plenty of open space. To recreate this in your yard, consider planting native trees like oak, pine, and hickory. These trees are not just good for perching and nesting; they also support a healthy insect population, which is a major part of the Tanager’s diet.
If you already have a yard full of tall trees, you’re halfway there. If not, start planting and be patient—trees take time to grow, but they’re worth the wait.
Serve Up a Bug Buffet
These birds are all about insects, especially bees and wasps. To make your yard a five-star restaurant for Summer Tanagers, focus on plants that attract these bugs. Here are a few suggestions:
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A magnet for bees and butterflies.
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Loved by wasps and other beneficial insects.
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Perfect for a variety of nectar-loving insects.
- Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.): Attracts bees and provides seeds later on.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Another favorite of bees and butterflies.
Avoid pesticides to keep the insect population thriving. If you want to go the extra mile, put out some mealworms in a feeder—Tanagers will appreciate the extra protein boost, especially during breeding season.
Water, Water Everywhere
Birds need water for drinking and bathing, and Tanagers are no exception. A birdbath with a gentle fountain or a dripper can be a game-changer. Not only does it keep the water fresh and appealing, but the sound of running water also attracts birds. Clean the birdbath regularly to keep the water pristine.
Nurture Their Nests
When it comes to nesting, Summer Tanagers are picky. They prefer horizontal branches, often far from the main trunk. If your trees don’t have many of these, consider adding some nesting platforms or boxes. Make sure they’re well-hidden and mimic natural conditions as closely as possible.
Keep It Safe
Predators and other hazards can scare off these beautiful birds. Keep cats indoors to reduce the risk of predation. Bird-safe window decals can help prevent tragic collisions. And try to maintain a calm, quiet environment, especially during nesting season.
