Piranga flava, commonly known as the Hepatic Tanager, inhabits oak and pine forests in the southwestern United States through Central America. Males exhibit a striking reddish plumage, while females display more subdued yellow tones. These tanagers are known for their melodious songs and play a vital role in seed dispersal.

Piranga flava, commonly known as the Hepatic Tanager, is native to the Americas. Its geographical distribution includes parts of North America, Central America, and South America. In North America, it is found in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico, extending into Mexico. In Central America, its range includes several countries such as Guatemala and Honduras. In South America, it inhabits countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.

The Hepatic Tanager typically inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, and sometimes shrublands. It is commonly found in pine-oak forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. This species prefers areas with a mix of trees and open spaces, which provide both feeding opportunities and nesting sites.

As an insectivorous and frugivorous bird, the Hepatic Tanager plays a role in controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds through its diet. It is often observed foraging in the mid to upper levels of the forest canopy. The species exhibits some degree of adaptability to different forest types, which allows it to occupy a broad ecological niche across its range.