Facts about Western Tanager

1. 06

   Breeding pairs of Western Tanagers construct cup-shaped nests from twigs and grass in coniferous trees, typically placing them 20-60 feet above ground on horizontal branches.

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2. 05

   Fledgling Western Tanagers remain dependent on parents for approximately 10-12 days after leaving the nest, during which time they learn foraging techniques in their montane forest habitats.

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3. 04

   Western Tanagers produce a distinctive two-part song consisting of a rapid warbling phrase followed by a longer, more complex phrase that averages 3-4 seconds in total duration.

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4. 03

   Carotenoid pigments from their diet of insects and berries produce the Western Tanager's distinctive yellow and red coloration, which intensifies during spring molt.

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5. 02

   During breeding season, Western Tanagers migrate to coniferous forests across western North America from Canada to Mexico, traveling over 2000 miles between winter and summer ranges.

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6. 01

   Male Western Tanagers display bright yellow plumage with red faces and black backs, while females appear duller yellow-green, a sexual dimorphism common across the tanager family.

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