Piranga ludoviciana
(Western
Tanager)
Physical
Description:
6-7 1/2" (15-19 cm). Yellow head,
underparts, and rump; face washed with red; black wings, back, and tail; wings
have two pale yellow bars. Female
similar, but minus red wash on face.
Similar Species- Female orioles
Song:
Similar to the American Robin's song, but
brusker.
Distribution:
Breeds from southeastern Alaska, east through
western Canada, and south through western U.S. to northern Baja California, southern
Nevada, southwestern Utah, Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas. Winters from
southern Baja California and central mainland of Mexico, south to portions of Central
America (rarely southern US.).
Habitat:
Breeds mostly in coniferous
and mixed mountain woodlands.
Migrates and winters in variety of forest, woodland, scrub and partly-open habitats.
Preliminary results of Idaho-Montana study indicated species favored old growth
over rotation-aged stands in Douglas-fir/ponderosa pine habitats.
Diet:
Feeds on variety of insects and fruits.
Ecology:
Nests on horizontal branch of coniferous
(occasionally deciduous) tree.
3-5 eggs for 13 days.
Nestlings are altricial. Young are tended by both
adults.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPBX45050 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S5,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5B |
Important
State References:
Hejl, S.J. and R.E. Woods. 1990. Bird
assemblages in old-growth and rotation-aged Douglas-fir/Ponderosa pine stands
in the northern Rocky Mountains: a preliminary assessment. Pp. 93-100 in D.M.
Baumgartner and J.E. Lotan, eds., Proceedings of a Symposium on Interior Douglas-fir:
the species and its management. Feb. 27, 1990, Spokane WA.