western tanager bird
1. Bird Name
The English name of this feathered species is the Western Tanager. Its Latin name is Piranga ludoviciana.
2. Appearance
The Western Tanager is a striking bird with distinct colorations. It is primarily a bright yellow with strong flashes of red and black. The males are easily identifiable due to their flaming-orange head, contrasted by a black-back and tail. Their underparts are a radiant yellow, a color that extends through their wings. A thin, pointed, grayish beak is another unmistakable feature of this bird species. The females, by comparison, exhibit a more subdued color palette with yellow-green plumage and gray-black wings and tail. Their beak is similar to that of the males.
3. Size
Typically, the Western Tanager bird measures from 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 inches) in length. Their average wingspan, from the tip of one wing to the other when fully spread, is between 25-30 cm (9.8–11.8 inches). They usually weigh between 25–35 grams (0.9–1.2 ounces).
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Western Tanager can be found throughout much of North America, especially in the western region, extending from Alaska and Canada through the United States and down into Mexico. Their preferred habitats are open coniferous and mixed forests, where they stay mostly out of sight, high in the tree canopy.
5. Interesting Facts
An exciting aspect of Western Tanager’s behavior is its migration pattern. The Western Tanager migrates as far as southern Mexico and Costa Rica during the non-breeding season. Western Tanagers are also one of the few American songbirds that eat a significant amount of fruit and berries. Moreover, even with their vibrant colors, Western Tanagers can be pretty hard to spot, due to their preference for the forest canopy.
6. Diet
The Western Tanager’s diet is primarily insectivorous, though they are known to consume a diverse variety of insects, including bees, wasps, beetles, ants, and more. When insects are scarce, they will also eat fruits and berries.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Western Tanagers nest in a cup-shaped structure made from twigs located high in coniferous trees. Their flight pattern is undulating, similar to that of many finches. The male delivers a series of short, burry phrases with the song described as “pit-er-ik.” They also have a call that sounds like “short-chip.”
8. Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Western Tanager bird as a species of least concern due to its extensive range and population.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, a Western Tanager typically lives for about 6 years. Captivity can sometimes increase lifespan, but the species isn’t commonly kept in captivity.
10. Additional Notes
Spanish-speakers often refer to Western Tanagers as “Tangara dorada del oeste”. These spectacular birds play a crucial role in pest control due to their feedings habits, therefore indirectly supporting our ecosystems. They are admired by birdwatchers across the continent for their radiant colorations. Despite their bright colors and preference for forest habitats, Western Tanagers can also be found in orchards, parks, and suburban areas during migration.
