Bird Guide

Summer Tanager vs Western Tanager

Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Small29 gForest

Adults have stout, pointed bills and measure 17 cm (6.7 in) in length and weigh a mean 30.1 g (1.06 oz), ranging from 25.8–33.6 g (0.99–1.19 oz). Wingspan ranges from 28 to 30 cm. Adult males are rose red and similar in appearance to the hepatic tanager, although the latter has a dark bill; females are orangish on the underparts and olive on top, with olive-brown wings and tail. As with all other birds, all red and orange colorations are acquired through their diet. The summer tanager has an American robin-like song, similar enough that novices sometimes mistake this bird for that species.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nathaly 1106 · CC BY 4.0
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

Small28 gForest

Measurements: Length: 6.3–7.5 in (16–19 cm) Weight: 0.8–1.3 oz (24–36 g) Wingspan: 11.5 in (29 cm) Adults have pale, stout pointed bills, yellow underparts, and light wing bars. Adult males have a bright red face and a yellow nape, shoulder, and rump, with black upper back, wings, and tail; in non-breeding plumage, the head has no more than a reddish cast and the body has an olive tinge. Females have a yellow head and are olive on the back, with dark wings and tail. The song of disconnected short phrases suggests an American robin's, but is hoarser and rather monotonous.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters · Public domain

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Summer Tanager and Western Tanager.