Midwest · Central Flyway
Are There Summer Tanagers in South Dakota?
No — Summer Tanagers are not regularly found in South Dakota; any sighting there is a rare stray. Piranga rubra · Cardinalidae
Is the Summer Tanager Found in South Dakota?
Summer Tanagers are not regularly found in South Dakota. eBird holds only 31 South Dakota records of this species for 2020–2024, a tiny fraction of the state's checklists — the pattern of occasional strays, not a local population. If you think you saw one, check the look-alikes below first, then report it to eBird with a photo.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Summer Tanagers occur regularly are Nebraska (about 200 miles away), Iowa (about 390 miles away) and Kansas (about 410 miles away).
Often mistaken for Summer Tanagers in South Dakota: Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Black-headed Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting — these occur regularly in South Dakota, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Summer Tanager.
Summer Tanager is a North American backyard bird.
In South Dakota, this species is classified as rare. There is no regular population in South Dakota; check neighboring states listed below.
Monthly Activity — Summer Tanager in South Dakota
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Summer Tanager in South Dakota
Other birds in South Dakota
Birds you might also encounter in South Dakota.
Summer Tanager in other states
Summer Tanager in South Dakota: Quick Facts
The Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) is a rarely seen bird in South Dakota. It is classified as a not regularly recorded in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota, 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 South Dakota using the related birds section.