What transitional habitats do Western Tanagers frequently utilize during their northbound movement through the US mountains?
Answer
Riparian woodlands, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms
While their core habitat is coniferous, during the migratory periods, Western Tanagers need stopover points that offer readily available energy reserves. For northbound travelers across the western US, this often means utilizing transitional zones where diverse food sources are clustered. Specifically, they are known to pass through riparian woodlands, which offer moisture and insects, as well as oak woodlands and the bottoms of canyons where mixed deciduous trees provide a temporary buffet of insects and emerging berries necessary for refueling before continuing their journey.
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