Western Tanager song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Western Tanager, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

A distinctive, somewhat hoarse, burry, and uneven song, often described as sounding like a robin with a sore throat. It consists of short, deliberate phrases, often repeated, such as 'chick-churr, chick-churr, chick-churr' or 'pit-tick-turr, pit-tick-turr'.

Calls

The most common call is a dry, rolling 'pit-er-ick' or 'prr-it', often given while foraging or in flight. They also have a sharp 'chip' note.

When they vocalize

Males sing frequently during the breeding season, particularly in the mornings. Calls are given year-round, especially during foraging and migration.

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