What primary food source replaces insects as the Western Tanager diet shifts during late summer migration?
Answer
Fruits and berries
The diet of the Western Tanager is highly opportunistic and seasonally dependent, directly supporting their energy needs for migration. While insects form the essential bedrock of their diet when feeding young during the breeding season, as the breeding period wanes and migration approaches, a significant shift occurs. They begin heavily consuming fruits and berries, such as elderberries and serviceberries, found in their stopover locations. This intake of sugary, high-energy food sources is crucial for rapidly building up the necessary fat reserves required to successfully complete their long journey to the southern wintering grounds.
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