HB 2316 — 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
 1   Designating the Scarlet Tanager as the official migratory bird
 2      of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
 3      The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
 4   hereby enacts as follows:
 5   Section 1.    Short title.
 6      This act shall be known and may be cited as the Official
 7   State Migratory Bird Act.
 8   Section 2.    Legislative findings.
 9      The General Assembly finds that:
10          (1)    The Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is a
11      strikingly beautiful songbird, known for the male's scarlet
12      red and black feathers, that migrates annually between this
13      Commonwealth and its wintering grounds in Central and South
14      America.
15          (2)    This Commonwealth provides critical breeding and
16      migratory stopover habitat for the Scarlet Tanager during its
17      annual life cycle, particularly in this Commonwealth's mature
18      oak forests. These hardwood forests provide an abundant
 1    supply of insects for food, which are essential for nesting,
 2    feeding and resting as the species travels thousands of miles
 3    between continents.
 4        (3)   This Commonwealth supports 17% of the global Scarlet
 5    Tanager population during the breeding season, the highest
 6    percentage of any state.
 7        (4)   Scarlet Tanagers have a special connection to the
 8    landscapes that give this Commonwealth its unique identity
 9    and heritage, including the Laurel Highlands in the west, the
10    Pocono Mountains to the east, the Pennsylvania Wilds in the
11    north, the Susquehanna Valley in central Pennsylvania and
12    occasionally in busier, urban areas.
13        (5)   The Scarlet Tanager is an indicator species, meaning
14    its presence reflects the health of this Commonwealth's
15    diverse natural ecosystems, and protecting its habitat
16    benefits not only the Scarlet Tanager but also a diverse
17    array of wildlife, including other migratory birds,
18    amphibians, fish and invertebrates that rely on these
19    environments.
20        (6)   Conserving and sustainably managing the mature
21    forests of this Commonwealth not only supports the Scarlet
22    Tanager, but also supports this Commonwealth's wood products
23    industry and diverse forest products economy.
24        (7)   This Commonwealth's natural resources, including its
25    rivers, forests, wetlands, mountains and urban parks, are
26    vital to this Commonwealth's economy, culture and
27    biodiversity, and recognizing the Scarlet Tanager as the
28    official State migratory bird will underscore the
29    Commonwealth's commitment to conservation, ecotourism and the
30    protection of its natural and cultural heritage.

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 1          (8)   Promoting awareness of the Scarlet Tanager and its
 2      habitat needs will help encourage responsible healthy forest
 3      management and a robust forest product economy, ensuring that
 4      this Commonwealth's rich environmental legacy is preserved
 5      for future generations.
 6   Section 3.   Official State migratory bird.
 7      The Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is selected,
 8   designated and adopted as the official migratory bird of the
 9   Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
10   Section 4.   Effective date.
11      This act shall take effect immediately.




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