How is the full song of the Western Tanager typically described vocally during the breeding season?
Answer
A rambling, sometimes hesitant series of buzzy notes, interspersed with clear whistles
The vocalizations of the Western Tanager include a distinct alarm or short-distance communication call, which is sharp and quick, often transcribed as a *chip* or *pit-tik*. However, the full mating or territorial song is structurally different. It is characterized by being somewhat rambling and occasionally hesitant in delivery. The core texture of this song is defined by buzzy notes, which are broken up or interspersed with moments of clear whistling sounds. This buzzy quality is often the key attribute used by observers to identify the male's declaration while he sings from an exposed perch.
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