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Western Tanager

The stunning Western Tanager is a common, treetop dweller of the western United States.

Description: About 7 inches in length, the male Western Tanager is unmistakable. It has a bright red or orange head (sometimes only the face), a yellow body and rump, and black wings and tail. Males have bright yellow wing bars that contrast with the black wings. Females are mostly dull yellow.

Range/Habitat: Western Tanagers are found mostly in the Rocky Mountains and west. Highest densities occur in Oregon, Idaho, Washington State and northern California. It is usually found in open coniferous forests of Douglas fir, spruce and pine. Much like its eastern relative, the Scarlet Tanager, the Western Tanager moves slowly high in the treetops making observation difficult.

Diet: Western Tanagers eat insects and fruit.

Western Tanager Video