HARRISBURG, PA — A brand new invoice launched within the Pennsylvania Common Meeting would designate the Scarlet Tanager as the state’s official migratory chicken, highlighting its magnificence and Pennsylvania’s important position in its survival.
The Scarlet Tanager is a vividly coloured migratory songbird that depends on Pennsylvania’s mature hardwood forests, the place about 13 % of the species’ international inhabitants breeds – greater than in another state. Audubon is proud to assist House Bill 2316 to spotlight this essential chicken and its particular connection to Pennsylvania.
“Scarlet Tanagers are stunning, exceptional birds that additionally spotlight a lot of what makes Pennsylvania particular,” mentioned invoice sponsor Rep. Mandy Steele. “Wholesome forests that this chicken is determined by play important roles within the state’s outside recreation financial system and forestry industries. Highlighting this species is an opportunity to rejoice our pure heritage whereas inspiring the following era to guard it.”
“Pennsylvania performs an outsized position within the survival of the Scarlet Tanager, due to our in depth hardwood forests,” mentioned Jim Brown, Coverage Director at Audubon Mid-Atlantic. “Designating this species as our state migratory chicken highlights how essential it’s to look after these forests in ways in which profit birds, folks, native hardwood economies, and the long-term power of our pure sources.”
Every spring, Scarlet Tanagers return from tropical forests in South America to breed all through Pennsylvania, from mountaintops within the Pennsylvania Wilds to neighborhood parks between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Although widespread, they’re typically elusive, spending a lot of their time excessive within the leafy cover. Males are crimson purple with jet black wings, whereas females are yellowish inexperienced.
The species is a key indicator of forest well being. The place Scarlett Tanagers thrive, forests are resilient; the place they refuse, it might probably sign fragmentation and ecological stress that additionally impacts folks.
Pennsylvania’s forests face threats from invasive species, pests, and poor administration, however sustainable forestry practices can shield birds and folks alike, supporting clear water, wildlife habitat, and the hardwood financial system. Supporting species just like the Scarlet Tanager additionally highlights the forest’s position in recreation and native economies.
By initiatives like Audubon’s Forester Training and Endorsement program, land managers throughout Pennsylvania are placing these practices into motion. To-date, greater than 10,000 acres of privately owned forest have turn out to be more healthy – with extra various tree species and a wider span of tree ages, serving to enhance chicken habitat on greater than 7,000 acres of privately owned forest.
Audubon Mid-Atlantic is a regional workplace of the Nationwide Audubon Society, envisioning a Mid-Atlantic area of wholesome and resilient ecosystems the place birds thrive and the place all folks have entry to nature and a voice in environmental stewardship. Working alongside a various flock of supporters and companions, Audubon Mid-Atlantic strives to decelerate and reverse the affect that local weather change and habitat loss have had on the wide selection of chicken species that rely on the Mid-Atlantic area.
