Red-faced Warbler

Overview

The red-faced warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons) is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. It is a nearly complete migrant found from the southwestern United States south to El Salvador and Honduras.

Identification

• Approximately 14 cm long with a weight of about 10 g.
• Adult males feature a bright scarlet face, throat, and upper breast contrasting with a black crown and ear coverts.
• Both sexes possess a black to black-brown bill with a yellow base to the mandible and black legs.
• Song consists of variable sections of clear, slurred phrases, and both sexes produce a chip note.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits montane fir, pine, and pine-oak forests, as well as mixed conifer and deciduous landscapes. Breeding populations range between 1,500 and 3,100 m in elevation, while non-breeding grounds are located between 650 and 2,650 m.

Diet

Feeds almost exclusively on insects, with lepidoptera caterpillars being a major component during the breeding season. Forages by gleaning from leaves, conifer needles, and branches, as well as taking prey in mid-air.

Did you know?

The female builds an open cup nest on the ground, often hidden under a roof of plant stems, a log, grass, or a rock.