Hermit Warbler

Overview

The hermit warbler (Setophaga occidentalis) is a small perching bird classified as a New World warbler. This migratory species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Dark grey upperparts with white underparts and black streaked flanks.
• Two diagonal white wing bars on the wings.
• Predominantly yellow head; males have a distinct black throat, whereas females have less black and immatures have none.
• Approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length with a wingspan of 7.9 in (20 cm).

Habitat

This shy species dwells primarily in open coniferous forests, including Douglas fir, pine, and redwood habitats, as well as mountain areas and wetter environments. The breeding range covers the majority of the west coast of the United States up to Washington, with wintering grounds in parts of Mexico, Central America, and southern California.

Diet

The hermit warbler consumes a strict diet of insects and spiders. It forages by hanging upside-down from the ends of conifer branches, similar to a chickadee, while probing for food.

Did you know?

Despite their small size, these birds construct neat, cup-shaped nests from stems, grass, twigs, and pine needles positioned near the tip of a branch high in conifer trees.