To which bird family is the Western Tanager (*Piranga ludoviciana*) classified as a striking member?
Answer
Cardinal family
Despite the fact that Western Tanagers bear a superficial resemblance in coloring and general appearance to certain orioles and tanagers that inhabit Central and South America, the species *Piranga ludoviciana* is scientifically recognized as a striking member of the cardinal family. This classification groups them with birds sharing common ancestry and certain morphological characteristics, even if their visible coloration patterns lead to confusion with unrelated or distantly related species found in more southerly latitudes.

Related Questions
What two conspicuous wing bars feature on the Western Tanager male's jet black wings?To which bird family is the Western Tanager (*Piranga ludoviciana*) classified as a striking member?Where are the primary wintering grounds located for the Western Tanager during the non-breeding season?What primary food source replaces insects as the Western Tanager diet shifts during late summer migration?Which parent is primarily responsible for the construction of the cup-shaped Western Tanager nest?How is the full song of the Western Tanager typically described vocally during the breeding season?What foraging technique involves the Western Tanager catching flying insects mid-flight during feeding?In what type of forest habitat are Western Tanagers typically found at higher elevations during the summer months?What is the current broad conservation classification assigned to the Western Tanager species?What characteristic of their migration pattern sets Western Tanagers apart from many other songbirds?