The Western Tanager is one of the most vividly colored birds that breeds in the western US, the male sporting a flaming red head, yellow body, and black back and wings. Despite its brilliant colors, it can be surprisingly difficult to spot in the canopy. Its red head pigment comes not from carotenoids but from a rare pigment called rhodoxanthin obtained from its insect prey.
Habitat
Montane coniferous forests and forest edges
Diet
Insects and berries
How common
Common
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