Kentucky Warbler

Overview

The Kentucky warbler (Geothlypis formosa) is a small species of New World warbler characterised by its sluggish and heavy build. It is a scarce bird despite having a large migratory range.

Identification

• Olive-green back and nape with a brilliant yellow underbelly.
• Distinctive black mask with a yellow pattern encircling the eyes, resembling spectacles, with a small black tinge on the crown.
• Females exhibit slightly less black on the sides of the head, while immature birds may lack black markings entirely.
• Small and heavy body, 13 cm long, with a wingspan of 20–22 cm and a short tail.

Habitat

Frequents moist deciduous forests throughout its range. It is migratory, breeding in the central and eastern United States and wintering in the Yucatán Peninsula and the Caribbean islands.

Did you know?

The Kentucky warbler migrates non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico to reach its wintering grounds. It was observed as far west as Farmington, New Mexico, in 2007.