Why can the autumn appearance of the Western Tanager in states like Arizona or Texas be somewhat unpredictable for birders?
Answer
They use a broad corridor for movement, meaning unpredictability relates to local weather and food availability
Unlike some migratory birds that follow very specific, narrow flyways, the Western Tanager utilizes a broad corridor for its southwards movement across western North America. This flexibility means that the exact route taken by groups of birds can vary. Consequently, their appearance in states along the periphery of their main path, such as Arizona or Texas, is not strictly timed or guaranteed; rather, it depends on fluctuating local conditions like weather patterns that influence flight timing and the immediate availability of sufficient food sources needed to refuel for the next leg of the journey.
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