Pheucticus ludovicianus

ON EXHIBIT:  Cove Forest at River Journey 

FUN FACTS
The sexes of this species look very different.  The male has a black head and back with patches of white in the wings.  The white belly and breast are contrasted by a brilliant red (rose) breast patch.  The females are close to the same size but are buffy brown with a prominent white eye line.

Although the breeding range of this species lies primarily to the north of Tennessee, it may breed in the mountains of our state at elevations of 3000 feet or more. A common migrant in SE Tennessee in spring and fall, they are sometimes seen eating from birdfeeders.

CONSERVATION
As with all native songbirds, they are protected by the “Migratory Bird Act” and their population remains stable.They are rare in captivity but have been in the Tennessee Aquarium’s collection for many years where they have produced young.