curruca rabilarga

1. Nombre del ave

The bird highlighted in this profile is the American Yellow Warbler. Its scientific name is Setophaga petechia.

2. Aspecto

The American Yellow Warbler is a stunning specimen with vibrant color and distinctive markings. This bird species boasts a saturated bright yellow plumage, which is the signature for the species. Some variants exhibit red streaking on the chest or belly. Males tend to have bold, heavy streaks while females exhibit lighter hues, which almost appear like thin smudges. The beak of this bird is short, slender and pointed – an ideal structure for extracting insects from foliage. The eyes are a dark, contrastive hue, giving the bird a visually striking appearance.

3. Tamaño

The American Yellow Warbler is a compact and small bird. On average, these birds range from 11 to 13 cm in length (4.3 to 5.1 inches) and generally weigh between 7 to 9 grams. Their wingspan is typically around 16 to 22 cm (6.3 to 8.6 inches), allowing for agile flight through trees and shrubs.

4. Hábitat y distribución

This vibrant bird species is widely distributed across the North and South America. You can find them in Alaska, Canada, throughout the U.S., down into Central America, and parts of South America. They inhabit a variety of environments, including deciduous and mixed forests, mangroves, swamp edges, and riparian zones. They are also common in urban gardens and parks.

5. Datos de interés

A fascinating aspect about the American Yellow Warbler is its migration habits. This bird covers a vast distance during migration, traveling from northern North America to the tropics every winter. Surprisingly, these birds are known for their defensive tactics towards parasitic brown-headed cowbirds that often lay eggs in their nests. To defend their nests, they build another layer to “wall in” the intruder’s eggs.

6. Dieta

Insects are the primary diet for the American Yellow Warbler. They are known to feast on caterpillars, beetles, wasps, spiders, and other small invertebrates. In certain seasons, they may also consume berries and nectar.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos

The American Yellow Warbler is distinguished by its quick, flitting movements through lower branches and foliage while foraging. It has an enchanting song that consists of rapid, sweet-sounding whistles. The male’s song often sounds like a repeated “sweet-sweet-sweet, I’m so sweet”, used to attract females during the breeding season.

8. Estado de conservación

According to the IUCN Red List, the American Yellow Warbler is of “Least Concern”. This is largely due to its large, extensive range and population. However, local declines have been noted due to habitat loss.

9. Vida útil

The American Yellow Warbler typically lives for up to 10 years in the wild. Lifespan records for those in captivity are not widely available.

10. Notas adicionales

In several Native American cultures, the American Yellow Warbler’s bright yellow color has made them a symbol of the sun – life and vitality. In regard to ecosystems, these birds play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, especially harmful ones, due to their insect-centric diet. They are also important seed dispersers, contributing to the propagation of several plant species. The bird’s brilliantly colored feathers often serve as an indicator of habitat quality and its overall health reflects the state of the ecosystem it inhabits. Furthermore, its highly migratory nature makes it an excellent symbol of international cooperation for bird conservations.