Around what time does the spring arrival of the Western Tanager back to its northern breeding grounds typically commence?
Answer
April or May, depending on the latitude and elevation
The timing of the northbound spring migration varies depending on how far north the destination breeding territory is located. Generally, the arrival back to the western mountains begins sometime in April or extends into May. This variability accounts for the vast latitudinal and elevational gradient of their breeding range, which stretches from central Alaska down through the western United States. Birders attempting to locate these migrants in the northern reaches of their range, such as Montana or Idaho, should expect their passage later in the spring window compared to those further south.
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