Orange-crowned Warbler

Overview

The orange-crowned warbler (Leiothlypis celata) is a small songbird belonging to the New World warbler family. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with four recognised subspecies across North and Central America.

Identification

• Olive-grey upperparts and yellowish underparts with faint streaking.
• A thin, pointed bill with a faint line over each eye and a faint broken eye ring.
• The characteristic orange patch on the crown is usually not visible.
• Song consists of a descending trill in pitch and volume, while the call is a high chip.

Habitat

Breeding habitat consists of open shrubby areas across Canada, Alaska, and the western United States. These birds migrate to the southern United States and Central America for the winter. Although common in the western United States, the species is uncommon in the east.

Diet

These birds forage actively in low shrubs, flying from perch to perch and sometimes hovering. Their diet consists of insects, berries, and nectar.

Did you know?

The specific epithet celatus is Latin for "secret" or "hidden," reflecting the fact that the orange patch on its crown is usually not visible.