Summer Tanager vs Western Tanager

In short

The Summer Tanager and Western Tanager can be distinguished by plumage and habitat preferences. The Summer Tanager is uniformly red in males, while the Western Tanager has a striking yellow body with a red head and black wings. Both species are found in different regions and habitats, which can aid identification.

Identification tips

1. Look for the red head and black wings of the Western Tanager in males. 2. Note the uniform red plumage of male Summer Tanagers. 3. Consider habitat: Western Tanagers are in western coniferous forests, while Summer Tanagers are in eastern deciduous or pine-oak forests. 4. Observe behavior: Western Tanagers are more secretive and often in shaded areas.

Size

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

Plumage

Male Summer Tanagers are entirely red, while male Western Tanagers have a yellow body, red head, and black wings. Female Summer Tanagers are yellowish, whereas female Western Tanagers are more subdued with a yellowish-green body and less pronounced red on the head.

Behaviour

Western Tanagers often stay in the shade and are less conspicuous, resembling vireo behavior. Summer Tanagers are more likely to be seen in open areas.

Habitat

Summer Tanagers prefer open deciduous or pine-oak forests in the eastern U.S., while Western Tanagers are found in open coniferous and mixed woodlands of western North America.

Voice

Both species have distinct songs, but specific differences are not detailed in the sources.