Western Tanager Watching in Oregon

The Western Tanager is from a mostly tropical family, and its distinctive red face and yellow underparts look tropical as well, yet they breed as far north as northern British Columbia, as well as along the Oregon coast. They winter as far south as Central America, though some are known to live year round along the California coast.Western Tanagers, while very distinctive in markings compared to other birds found in the same areas, can be very challenging to actually spot. They mostly eat insects, but they tend to stay well out of sight until they are ready to fly after one to swallow it mid-flight. They also eat fruits and berries, so they are talented at blending into thicker vegetation. Their call is quite distinctive as well and is one of the better ways of locating them.

Habitats for Western Tanagers

During their summer breeding season the Western Tanager prefers coniferous forests or mixed woods. They nest near the tops of trees, usually well away from the trunk. These birds are occasionally found in the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge, but not depenably so.

Best seasons to see Western Tanagers in Oregon

The Western Tanager usually leaves southern Mexico in early spring, and arrives in Oregon in the middle of the season. They begin their migration south in August and September.

Western Tanagers in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Coniferous forests
Seasons: Spring and summer
Abundance: Not common

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