Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava)
Number of accepted Hepatic Tanager records for Louisiana = 4
Accepted Records
A male (82-37) collected (LSUMZ 105459) at Peveto Beach Woods, Cameron Parish on 7
May 1982 (Steven W. Cardiff). This is the first record for Louisiana, and only the second for the eastern United States.
One female (1983-12; formerly 84-20) collected (LSUMZ 112120) at
Peveto Beach Woods, Cameron Parish, on 22 May 1983 (Van Remsen; David Muth). This bird, the second found
in Louisiana, was found only 100 yards from the location of the first state record, found there on
7 May 1982 (see LOS News 107, December 1984).
One immature male (2023-064) on 16-18 October 2023, Jefferson: Grand Isle, between Landry and Cemetery lanes; David P. Muth (ph), Paul E. Conover (ph), and Kathy Rhodes (ph).
This represents the third record of this species for Louisiana and the first since 1983. Members considered the possibility of the presence of two birds as some reports and eBird checklists stated but found that one of the tanagers pictured in some images was a Scarlet Tanager. All photos of Hepatic Tanagers from the site appear to be of the same individual. Given the presence of so many observers, the possibility exists that reports of multiple calling birds pertain to a single Hepatic responding to an electronic call played by a searcher or simply an error on the part of observers.
Photo by David P. Muth
One (2024-002) on 6-21 January 2024, Jefferson: Harahan, Mississippi River batture at Colonial Club Drive, 29.92675*N,90.20937*W; Cathy DiSalvo (ph), Claire Thomas (ph), and David P. Muth (ph).
This represents the fourth state occurrence of this species, a mere three months after the third record broke a 40-year Louisiana drought for the species. This individual was seen by many observers and was extensively documented. Although one Member wondered if this individual might be the same as the fall 2023 Grand Isle bird (LBRC 2023-064) based on similarity in appearance, there is no way to determine this based on available evidence.
Photo by Cathy DiSalvo
Unaccepted Records
One adult male (1994-71) on 9 May 1994, Cameron: Peveto Beach Woods. Although the
written description described the plumage and call note fairly well (albeit much like a field
guide), members were greatly concerned that the report was written nine months after the
observation and that copies of the supporting field notes were not submitted. Most members
believed this one-person sight record of a potential third state record, especially when
considering the variation exhibited by Summer Tanager, should be supported by more extensive
documentation or photographic evidence.