How does the appearance of the male Western Tanager change when moving from breeding season to wintering far south?
Answer
He loses his intense red hood
A striking visual difference between the seasonal appearances of the male Western Tanager is the loss of the vibrant breeding plumage coloration upon migration south. During the summer months, the male is recognizable by his iconic bright red head. When wintering in Central America and Mexico, this intensity fades, and the male presents a more subdued appearance, making him less conspicuous amongst the leafy cover of the warmer tropical habitats compared to his conspicuous state on northern nesting sites. This shift is a key indicator of their current life stage.
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