What is the primary focus of the Western Tanager's summer menu?
Answer
Arthropods and small invertebrates
During the nesting season, when energy demands are at their peak for courtship activities and the crucial process of raising young, the Western Tanager commits almost exclusively to an insectivorous diet. This intake of arthropods, such as beetles, wasps, ants, and grasshoppers, is vital because it supplies high levels of protein. Protein is the necessary building block supporting the rapid growth, development, and overall health of the nestlings, making it the most critical nutritional component during the summer months.
Related Questions
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