Black-throated Grey Warbler

Overview

The black-throated grey warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) is a small passerine bird belonging to the New World warbler family Parulidae. It is a common species in its breeding range that is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Measures approximately 13 cm in length with soft, non-glossy plumage that is primarily black, grey, and white.
• Adult males feature a bold black throat, black stripes on the head, and black streaks on the flanks, along with a small yellow spot between the eye and bill.
• Females are paler, possessing a white throat and less distinct black markings on the flanks and wings.
• Vocalisations include a sharp 'tup' or 'thick' call and a high 'see' flight call, while the male sings a series of buzzy notes with doubled early sounds.

Habitat

This species breeds in western North America, ranging from British Columbia to New Mexico, and winters in Mexico and the southwestern United States. It prefers open coniferous and mixed forests, dry oak forests, and scrubland, showing a particular association with pinyon pines, junipers, and sagebrush.

Diet

The bird forages for insects, specifically gleaning caterpillars from low branches, and is frequently observed in flocks with other species.

Did you know?

The species is known to perform a distraction display, pretending to be injured to divert predators away from its nest.