Large tanager with several different populations, spanning the southwest U.S. to South America. Northern birds prefer mountainous areas with mixed pine-oak forest. South American birds found in a variety of mountainous forested habitats. Male red, female muted yellowish. Brightest colors on throat and crown. Flanks, cheek, and back washed with dusty gray. Thick bill. Most similar to Summer Tanager, but grayer plumage. Also typically found at higher elevations with conifers, not in low riparian woodland preferred by Summer. Song is sweet and robinlike; mostly clear phrases with some hoarser notes.