Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

Western Tanagers are the most northerly of the Tanagers found in North America., summering as far north as northern British Columbia.  They prefer higher elevation conifer forests for breeding, and in South Dakota, are most often found in the Black Hills.

Habitat: Prefers conifer or mixed forest and woodland.  Seems to prefer open conifer forest more than dense forest.

Diet: Primarily insects, especially early in the summer when raising young. Later during the breeding season they begin to eat more fruits and berries. 

Behavior: Primarily forages in mid to upper-levels of the forest canopy, moving through foliage or flying out from a perch to catch insects. 

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Western Tanager Song

Migration: Summers in the western U.S. and Canada.  Winters in Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Similar Species: Scarlet Tanager

Bird Feeders: Will come for cut fruit, nectar, and baked goods.

Conservation Status: Numbers currently appear to be stable, with no major threats to their population.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Western Tanager

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Western Tanager

3) eNature.com -Western Tanager

Photo Information: August 8th, 2007 - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Western Tanager photos.