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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)

-Genus Mniotilta

-Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia​)


The Mniotilta varia, commonly known as the Black-and-white Warbler, is a species of warbler native to North America. It has a wide range, spanning from Alaska and Canada all the way to Central America. It prefers to inhabit wooded areas with dense shrubs, thickets, and trees. This species is known for its active behavior, constantly bobbing its tail and swaying its wings while foraging for food. Its diet consists mainly of insects and small invertebrates found in its natural habitat. During mating season, the male warbler will perform courtship displays with its wings and tail spread open. The female typically builds her nest in a bush or low hanging tree, and incubates the eggs for around two weeks.

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia​

Diet

  • Primarily insects and other small invertebrates, including caterpillars, beetles, ants, flies, spiders, moth larvae, and bark-dwelling insects.

  • Occasionally feeds on small berries and seeds during migration and winter.

  • Uniquely forages by creeping along tree trunks and large branches like a nuthatch, probing bark crevices for hidden prey.

Range

  • Breeds throughout Canada, the eastern and central United States, and parts of the southern United States.

  • Winters from Mexico through Central America, the Caribbean, and into northern South America.

  • A common winter visitor to the Zihuatanejo region, where it inhabits tropical dry forests, woodland edges, mangroves, riparian forests, gardens, and mature secondary woodland.

  • Occurs from sea level into the foothills during the non-breeding season.

Male / Female

  • Male: Bold black-and-white striped plumage with black cheeks and throat, white eyebrow, and a predominantly black crown with white stripes.

  • Female: Similar striped pattern but with whitish or pale grey cheeks and throat instead of solid black, giving a softer facial appearance.

  • Juveniles: Duller overall with buffy tones and less distinct striping.

  • The sexes are similar, but males are more boldly patterned, particularly on the face and throat.

Size

  • Length: 11–13 cm (4.3–5.1 in)

  • Wingspan: 18–23 cm (7.1–9.1 in)

  • Weight: 8–15 g

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