Midwest · Central Flyway

Are There Summer Tanagers in Nebraska?

Yes, but uncommon — Summer Tanagers occur in Nebraska mainly from May to September. Piranga rubra · Cardinalidae

UncommonAbundance
Summer breederSeasonal status
5Active months
1,780Observations

Is the Summer Tanager Found in Nebraska?

Summer Tanagers do occur in Nebraska, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat during the breeding season.

Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Summer Tanagers occur regularly are Kansas (about 220 miles away), Iowa (about 340 miles away) and Oklahoma (about 440 miles away).

Often mistaken for Summer Tanagers in Nebraska: Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting — these occur regularly in Nebraska, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Summer Tanager.

Summer Tanager is a North American backyard bird.

In Nebraska, this species is classified as uncommon. It visits during the breeding season, typically spring through summer. The best months to observe this bird are May, June, July, August, September. Peak activity occurs in May.

Monthly Activity — Summer Tanager in Nebraska

Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
RegularSeasonalRare

Identification

FamilyCardinalidae
View full Summer Tanager profile →

Best Time to See Summer Tanager in Nebraska

January
Low
February
Low
March
Low
April
Low
May
Peak
June
Peak
July
Peak
August
Peak
September
Peak
October
Low
November
Low
December
Low

Other birds in Nebraska

Birds you might also encounter in Nebraska.

Summer Tanager in other states

Summer Tanager in Nebraska: Quick Facts

The Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) is an uncommon bird in Nebraska. It is classified as a summer breeder in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.

The best months to spot this species in Nebraska are May, June, July, August, September. For birders in Omaha and throughout Nebraska, knowing the seasonal patterns of Summer Tanager can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.

Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in Nebraska using the related birds section.