Which habitat trait replaces the cool mountain slopes for the Western Tanager in its warmer, lower-elevation tropical wintering grounds?
Answer
Warmer, often drier tropical scrub, semi-open woodlands, or parks and orchards
When the Western Tanager shifts its location for the winter, the environment changes significantly from the cool, elevated coniferous regions. The wintering grounds trade these slopes for environments that are generally warmer and often drier, consisting of tropical scrub, semi-open woodlands, and even semi-cultivated areas such as orchards or parks in Mexico and Central America. This move is also characterized by a shift to lower elevations compared to their breeding sites. This structural change in habitat directly correlates with the seasonal shift in their primary food sources, moving away from the high-canopy insect focus.
Related Questions
Where do the wintering grounds of the Western Tanager ultimately stretch to in Central America?What kind of forest structure do Western Tanagers favor during their summer breeding months in western mountains?How does the appearance of the male Western Tanager change when moving from breeding season to wintering far south?What dietary focus drives the high-canopy insect hunting characteristic of the summer Western Tanager?Which habitat trait replaces the cool mountain slopes for the Western Tanager in its warmer, lower-elevation tropical wintering grounds?Why can the autumn appearance of the Western Tanager in states like Arizona or Texas be somewhat unpredictable for birders?What are common tree associates frequently found in the summer coniferous habitat of the Western Tanager?What distinct vocalization should birders listen for when seeking the peak summer Western Tanager high in mature coniferous stands?Around what time does the spring arrival of the Western Tanager back to its northern breeding grounds typically commence?What transitional habitats do Western Tanagers frequently utilize during their northbound movement through the US mountains?