Piranga ludoviciana, commonly known as the Western Tanager, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution includes the western parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Specifically, it is found in British Columbia, Alberta, and parts of the Yukon in Canada, throughout the western United States, and as far south as Oaxaca, Mexico during migration.

The Western Tanager typically inhabits coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. They are often found in open woods, especially among Douglas-fir, Ponderosa pine, and other coniferous trees during the breeding season. The environmental conditions in their habitat are characterized by temperate climates with seasonal variations, typically featuring warm summers and cold winters.

Within its ecological niche, the Western Tanager primarily feeds on insects and fruit, which reflects its adaptation to mixed woodland habitats. The species is known for its role in controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds, which contributes to forest health and regeneration. Seasonal variation in diet includes a higher reliance on insects during the breeding season for protein needs and a shift to fruit in the fall. The tanager's bright plumage provides camouflage among the brightly lit upper canopy where it often forages.