Piranga rubra, commonly known as the Summer Tanager, is native to the Americas. It is primarily found in the southeastern United States, but its range extends into the southwestern U.S. and parts of Central America, including Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and northern South America.

The Summer Tanager typically inhabits open woodlands and forests, particularly those dominated by oak, pine, and hickory. It favors deciduous and mixed woodlands during its breeding season in the United States. During the winter months, when it migrates to Central and South America, it is often found in tropical and subtropical lowland forests, forest edges, and plantations.

As an insectivorous bird, the Summer Tanager's ecological niche involves controlling insect populations. It primarily feeds on bees and wasps during the breeding season, using its unique technique of catching and killing them by removing their stingers before consumption. In addition to insects, it eats fruits and berries. The species plays a role in seed dispersal due to its fruit diet during migration and wintering.