Scarlet Tanager vs Western Tanager

The Scarlet Tanager and Western Tanager are both strikingly colorful birds, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and geographic range. The Scarlet Tanager is vivid red with black wings and tail, while the Western Tanager has a yellow body with a red head and black wings. They occupy different habitats, with the Scarlet Tanager favoring eastern deciduous forests and the Western Tanager found in western coniferous forests.

1. Plumage: Look for the Scarlet Tanager's solid red body with black wings and tail versus the Western Tanager's yellow body with a red head and black wings. 2. Range: Consider geographic location; Scarlet Tanagers are in the east, Western Tanagers in the west. 3. Habitat: Note the habitat; Scarlet Tanagers prefer dense deciduous forests, while Western Tanagers are in open coniferous forests. 4. Vocalization: Listen for the Scarlet Tanager's hoarse song compared to the Western Tanager's more melodic song.

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized songbirds.

The male Scarlet Tanager is bright red with black wings and tail, whereas the male Western Tanager has a yellow body, red head, and black wings. Female Scarlet Tanagers are olive-yellow with darker wings, while female Western Tanagers are yellowish with a paler head and less distinct wing markings.

Scarlet Tanagers are often found high in the canopy and are more secretive, while Western Tanagers are less conspicuous but may be seen in more open areas during migration.

Scarlet Tanagers breed in eastern deciduous forests, while Western Tanagers are found in western coniferous and mixed woodlands. During migration, Western Tanagers may appear in city parks and orchards.

Scarlet Tanagers have a hoarse, burry song, while Western Tanagers have a strong, deliberate song. Both species have distinctive calls, but the Scarlet Tanager's is more commonly noted as a field mark.