Western Tanager
NameWestern Tanager
Common NameWestern Tanager
Scientific NamePiranga ludoviciana
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)29
Length (cm)18
Weight (g)29
Plumage DetailsAdult males are unmistakable with a bright red head, brilliant yellow body, and black back, wings, and tail. Their black wings feature two prominent wing bars, one yellow and one white. Females and immatures are duller, typically yellowish-green with dusky wings and two wing bars.
Vocalization / CallTheir song is a series of short, hoarse, robin-like phrases, often described as 'pit-er-ick pit-er-ick'. Their call is a dry, rolling 'prr-dit' or 'chick-burr'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in western North America, from southeastern Alaska and western Canada south through the western United States to northern Baja California. Winters primarily in Mexico and Central America.
Identifying FeaturesMale: bright red head, yellow body, black back and wings, Two distinct wing bars (yellow and white) on black wings, Thick, pale bill, Female: yellowish-green body, dusky wings with two wing bars
Description
The Western Tanager is a medium-sized songbird known for the male's striking yellow, black, and red plumage. They are often found in coniferous and mixed forests, where they forage for insects and fruits high in the canopy.
