western tanager

1. Bird Name
English name: Western Tanager
Scientific name: Piranga ludoviciana

2. Appearance
A brilliantly coloured bird, the male Western Tanager adorns a crimson-red head that seamlessly melds into a bright yellow body with a black back, wings and tail. Their wings are marked with two wing bars – the upper one yellow and the lower, white, adding to their striking contrast. Females are a more modest yellow and grey with a similar pattern. They have sturdy, somewhat short conical beaks suited for a diet of insects and fruits. Eye color is primarily dark brown.

3. Size
The Western Tanager measures approximately 16-18 cm in length, with an average wingspan of 30 cm. They vary between 25 to 35 grams in weight, depending on sex and age.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Western Tanagers inhabit the forests of North America, primarily being found across the western United States, Mexico and Canada, with each winter migration taking them as far as Central America. They prefer coniferous forests, but are frequently seen in mixed woodlands and suburban areas where food supply is plentiful.

5. Interesting Facts
A unique breeding behavior of the Western Tanager is that the male will feed the female during courtship and incubation period. They are also one of the few bird species capable of consuming and digesting certain toxic beetles. Interestingly, Western Tanagers were spotted above 12,000 feet on Mauna Kea, Hawaii (a place well outside their usual range) which indicates their adventurous migration capabilities.

6. Diet
Western Tanagers primarily feed on a variety of insects, including ants, beetles, flies, and caterpillars. They are also partial to fruits and berries, especially when insects are not abundantly available.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Distinguished by a unique, swift and relaxed flight pattern, Western Tanagers are known for their elusive behavior, preferring treetops and rarely descending to the ground. The bird’s song comprises of a series of short, musical phrases, described as a “lazy robin”. Unlike other similar species, their call varies significantly between individuals.

8. Conservation Status
The Western Tanager carries the status of ‘Least Concern’ according to the IUCN Red List, indicating that their global population is relatively stable.

9. Lifespan
In wild conditions, Western Tanagers generally live between 6 to 8 years. Lifespan in captivity, though not commonly observed, could extend past these numbers given adequate care and environmental conditions.

10. Additional Notes
Amongst Spanish-speaking cultures, the Western Tanager is often referred as ‘tangara dorada’, which means ‘golden tanager’. Western Tanagers play an important role in controlling pest populations, particularly in forest ecosystems, thus contributing to their stability and health. They are generally friendly towards humans and are known to frequent feeders in their habitats, providing an unparalleled spectacle of vibrant colour and swift motion.