Colorado wildlife
Western Tanager (male)
Piranga ludoviciana
Male is brilliant yellow, red face, black wings
See the Western Tanager (male) up close
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug
Best seen early morning or late afternoon; check official park bird lists for recent sightings.
Where to look
White River National Forest, lodgepole pineRocky Mountain National ParkSan Juan National Forest
Conservation status
Common summer resident in Colorado mountains
Good to know
What is the best time of day to see Western Tanagers?
Early morning when they are actively foraging.
Do Western Tanagers use bird feeders?
Rarely at feeders; they prefer natural food sources like insects and berries.
Make it a trip
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