An Act designating the Scarlet Tanager as the official migratory bird of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PRINTER'S NO. 3073
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 2316
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY STEELE, STAMBAUGH, VITALI, KHAN, MAYES AND
K. HARRIS, MARCH 24, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAME AND FISHERIES, MARCH 24, 2026
AN ACT
Designating the Scarlet Tanager as the official migratory bird
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Official
State Migratory Bird Act.
Section 2. Legislative findings.
The General Assembly finds that:
(1) The Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is a
strikingly beautiful songbird, known for the male's scarlet
red and black feathers, that migrates annually between this
Commonwealth and its wintering grounds in Central and South
America.
(2) This Commonwealth provides critical breeding and
migratory stopover habitat for the Scarlet Tanager during its
annual life cycle, particularly in this Commonwealth's mature
oak forests. These hardwood forests provide an abundant
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supply of insects for food, which are essential for nesting,
feeding and resting as the species travels thousands of miles
between continents.
(3) This Commonwealth supports 17% of the global Scarlet
Tanager population during the breeding season, the highest
percentage of any state.
(4) Scarlet Tanagers have a special connection to the
landscapes that give this Commonwealth its unique identity
and heritage, including the Laurel Highlands in the west, the
Pocono Mountains to the east, the Pennsylvania Wilds in the
north, the Susquehanna Valley in central Pennsylvania and
occasionally in busier, urban areas.
(5) The Scarlet Tanager is an indicator species, meaning
its presence reflects the health of this Commonwealth's
diverse natural ecosystems, and protecting its habitat
benefits not only the Scarlet Tanager but also a diverse
array of wildlife, including other migratory birds,
amphibians, fish and invertebrates that rely on these
environments.
(6) Conserving and sustainably managing the mature
forests of this Commonwealth not only supports the Scarlet
Tanager, but also supports this Commonwealth's wood products
industry and diverse forest products economy.
(7) This Commonwealth's natural resources, including its
rivers, forests, wetlands, mountains and urban parks, are
vital to this Commonwealth's economy, culture and
biodiversity, and recognizing the Scarlet Tanager as the
official State migratory bird will underscore the
Commonwealth's commitment to conservation, ecotourism and the
protection of its natural and cultural heritage.
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(8) Promoting awareness of the Scarlet Tanager and its
habitat needs will help encourage responsible healthy forest
management and a robust forest product economy, ensuring that
this Commonwealth's rich environmental legacy is preserved
for future generations.
Section 3. Official State migratory bird.
The Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is selected,
designated and adopted as the official migratory bird of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Section 4. Effective date.
This act shall take effect immediately.
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