The Western Tanager is a widespread bird of open woodlands in the west, and the cherry-faced male is uniquely coloured. Male Western Tanagers vary in the hue and extent of their red plumage, likely because of differences in diet, which is the source of the red pigment.
Western Tanager
Piranga ludoviciana
Photo:
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Western Tanager
Status and Trends
Distribution
Methods
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
Summary
Trend
Moderate Increase
Confidence: Medium
Goal
Within Goal Range
The Western Tanager breeds in open coniferous and mixed forests of British Columbia, Alberta, northwestern Saskatchewan, and southern Yukon and Northwest Territories. It overwinters from Mexico to Costa Rica. There are approximately 5 million individuals in Canada, representing one-third of the global population and a moderate degree of responsibility for Canada. The Canadian population of Western Tanager has shown a moderate increase relative to 1970. Confidence in this assessment is medium because the Breeding Bird Survey provides moderate coverage of the breeding range. The national population of Western Tanager is within its goal range.
Migration Strategy
Long-distance
Canadian Responsibility
Population Estimates
Breeding
5,000,000
Annual
5,000,000
Global
15,000,000
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Forest Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Western Tanager. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/6tb8-3z38
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
The Western Tanager is a widespread bird of open woodlands in the west, and the cherry-faced male is uniquely coloured. Male Western Tanagers vary in the hue and extent of their red plumage, likely because of differences in diet, which is the source of the red pigment.
Distribution and Occurrence
17690
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Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Forest Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Western Tanager. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/6tb8-3z38