Introduction
The scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea) is a common and widespread breeder in BCR 14. It prefers mature deciduous or mixed forest. It is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in one or more states in BCR 14.
Habitat Needs
This bird prefers deciduous or mixed woodlands and forested deciduous wetlands (red maple). It uses a wide range of forest stages but is most common in the mature stage. It feeds on both insects and fruit of a variety of species.
Its territory size is approximately 4 acres.
Habitat Management Practices
Manage deciduous or mixed forest so that there are several stages (size classes) available to this species at all times.
When assessing properties for habitat potential look for hardwood or mixedwood-producing soils such as Becket, Marlow, Chesuncook, Howland and many others. Soils such as Charles, Cohas, Rumney and others have the potential to produce red maple on wetter sites.
Silvicultural Practices
NORTHERN HARDWOOD
- Use even-aged management. Openings can range from 5 to 50 acres.
- Use 120-year rotation age with entries every 15 to 20 years.
- Let 10 percent of the area in this type age to 175 years before rotating.
- Favor yellow birch to grow where possible.
- In larger cut blocks (greater than 10 acres), leave patches of uncut trees, about 1/3 acre for every 10 acres clear cut.
- Avoid entry during nesting season—April to June.
- Whole-tree harvest or cut-to-length is preferred.