Where does the Western Tanager live?

The Western Tanager lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.

Biomes

Coniferous forests, mixed forests, open woodlands, riparian areas.

Geographic range

Breeds across western North America, from southeastern Alaska and western Canada south through the western United States to northern Baja California. Winters from central Mexico south through Central America to Costa Rica.

Preferred environments

Prefers open coniferous or mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, especially those with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-fir, and spruce. Also found in aspen groves and riparian woodlands. During migration, they can be found in a wider variety of habitats, including suburban parks and gardens.

Elevation range

Breeds from sea level up to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) in mountainous regions. During migration and winter, found at various elevations, often lower.

Where to look

Field tips

1. Look High in Trees. Western Tanagers often forage and sing high in the canopy, so scan the tops of tall trees.
2. Listen for Song and Calls. Their distinctive song and call notes are often easier to detect than spotting the bird itself, especially in dense foliage.
3. Check Fruiting Trees. During migration, check fruiting trees and shrubs for feeding individuals.
4. Visit During Migration. Spring and fall migration periods offer excellent opportunities to see them, as they may appear in a wider range of habitats, including urban areas.
5. Early Morning Activity. They are most active and vocal in the early morning hours.

Migration

Long-distance Neotropical migrant. They migrate south in late summer/early fall (August-October) and return north in spring (April-June). They often travel at night.

Explore the Western Tanager