BirdNote Daily Western Tanagers Are Flashes of Bright Color
Jan 18, 2026
Discover the vibrant world of Western Tanagers, with their striking red heads and yellow bodies. These agile birds expertly dart between trees, using their keen vision to spot insects both on bark and mid-air. As winter approaches, they migrate south, blending in with tropical birds in Mexico and Central America. Their diet is diverse, feasting on nuts and fruits as they breed far north in places like southeast Alaska. Learn about the fascinating behavior and seasonal changes of these colorful songbirds!
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Flashy Forager In Conifer Forests
- The western tanager is a striking red-headed, yellow-bodied bird often seen in western conifer forests.
- It locates insects by scanning bark and by hawking — snatching prey in midair during flight.
How To Spot A Western Tanager
- Listen for a robin-like song to detect western tanagers in forested areas.
- Watch tree-to-tree movement and look for bright red and yellow flashes in conifers.
Northern Breeders That Migrate South
- Western tanagers breed farther north than other North American tanagers, up to southeast Alaska and the Yukon.
- They migrate south for winter, joining brightly colored tropical birds in Mexico and Central America.