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Birds of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AVES

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Birds (Class Aves)

-New World Warblers (Family Parulidae)

-Leiothlypis Warblers (GenusLeiothlypis)

-Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla)


The Nashville warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) is a small songbird in the New World warbler family. It is a small warbler with sharply pointed bill, gray head, white eyering, yellow underparts (including throat), and olive upperparts. Forages mainly in the lower parts of trees in open woodlands and in low thickets at forest edges. Takes insects from the ground, and takes them from foliage while perching or hovering. Adults eat beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, aphids, and other insects, including the eggs and larvae of various types. Nestlings are fed caterpillars, small beetles, flies, and other insects.

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

Diet

  • Primarily insects, including caterpillars, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, aphids, leafhoppers, and other small arthropods.

  • Also feeds on spiders and, during migration and winter, occasionally consumes berries and nectar.

  • Forages actively among leaves and twigs, gleaning insects from foliage and sometimes making short flights to catch airborne prey.

Range

  • Breeds across Canada, Alaska, and the northern and western United States, with isolated breeding populations in the Appalachian Mountains.

  • Winters from western and southern Mexico through Central America.

  • A common winter visitor to the Zihuatanejo region, where it inhabits tropical dry forests, woodland edges, riparian forests, second-growth, gardens, and shrubby habitats.

  • Prefers wooded areas with dense shrubs during the non-breeding season.

Male vs. Female

  • Male: Olive-green upperparts, bright yellow throat and breast, white belly, gray head, distinct white eye ring, and a concealed chestnut crown patch that is usually visible only when the feathers are raised.

  • Female: Very similar in appearance but generally duller, with less contrast between the gray head and yellow underparts; the chestnut crown patch is smaller and usually hidden.

  • Juveniles: Duller olive overall and lack the chestnut crown patch.

  • Sexes are difficult to distinguish in the field, with males typically appearing brighter.

Size

  • Length: 11–13 cm (4.3–5.1 in)

  • Wingspan: 18–21 cm (7.1–8.3 in)

  • Weight: 7–13 g

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