Western Tanager in December
Where western tanagers are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Western Tanager's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the Western Tanager specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 22 states and provinces where western tanagers occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where western tanagers are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, western tanagers are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
Western tanagers are not nesting in December. The season runs May–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, western tanagers put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Migrates to Central America
Drops from the treetops to oranges, jelly and birdbaths during spring migration, especially in dry country.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full Western Tanager diet guide → · Best feeder for western tanagers →
Watching western tanagers this month
Western tanagers are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region western tanagers are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Western Tanager month by month
Western Tanager by state
Frequently asked
Where are western tanagers in December?
In December, western tanagers are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do western tanagers nest in December?
No — western tanagers typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do western tanagers eat in December?
Migrates to Central America.
Sources
- Western Tanager — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Western Tanager life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Western Tanager — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.