Such birds suffer (?) from xanthochromism, which is excess yellow pigmentation in the feathers. Depending on how strong it is, it creates the "orange" variant or the extreme "yellow" variant in Scarlet Tanagers (and other species) on rare occasions. Alan Wormington Leamington, Ontario ---------- Forwarded Message ---------- From: Greg Page <gregpage1465@xxxxxxxxx> To: texbirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [texbirds] Orange Variant Scarlet Tanager Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2014 19:33:17 -0500 At Lafitte's Cove yesterday there was an orange variant Scarlet Tanager. I have never seen one this bright orange. https://www.flickr.com/photos/gregpage/13929446713/ A bathing Wood Thrush stayed out in the open for a few minuets. I later heard one singing softly. https://www.flickr.com/photos/gregpage/13929430555/ A colorful Tennessee Warbler also came to the drip. https://www.flickr.com/photos/gregpage/13906249102/ There were many Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, a Northern Waterthrush, American Redstart and Indigo Buntings. And the Merlin I posted about earlier perched in the open for several minuets. I've only recieved a couple of replies about the Merlin, I am leaning towards Prairie. If you have an opinion please tell my why you think it is a Taiga or Prairie. Greg Page Houston Edit your Freelists account settings for TEXBIRDS at //www.freelists.org/list/texbirds Reposting of traffic from TEXBIRDS is prohibited without seeking permission from the List Owner Edit your Freelists account settings for TEXBIRDS at //www.freelists.org/list/texbirds Reposting of traffic from TEXBIRDS is prohibited without seeking permission from the List Owner