pine warbler

1. Bird Name:
English name: Pine Warbler
Scientific (Latin) name: Setophaga pinus

2. Appearance:
The Pine Warbler is a small bird, with males typically boasting a vibrant yellowish-green body and chest. The belly and underside are often a lighter yellow, almost white color. The wings and tail have dark streaks across them. Female Pine Warblers have similar markings but are slightly duller in color, leaning more towards a grey-green hue. Both males and females have thin, sharp beaks and brown eyes. One notable trait in the Pine Warbler is the white streak that runs through its eye, giving it a distinct look.

3. Size:
The Pine Warbler is a relatively small species, usually ranging from 12.7 to 14 centimeters (around 5 to 5.5 inches) in length. The wingspan for these birds tends to range from 19.7 to 22.9 centimeters (7.8 to 9 inches). They typically weigh between 9 to 15 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution:
These birds are residents of North America preferably found in the pine forests of the southeastern part of the continent. They have a special preference for the mixed forests of tall pines and hardwoods. They are year-round residents of the southern United States and Mexico, but during the breeding season, they can be found as far north as Canada.

5. Interesting Facts:
Some unique facts about the Pine Warbler include their penchant for pine forests as their dwelling points, hence their name. Interestingly, they are one of the first warblers to return to the north in the spring, often arriving as early as March. Their song is musical, a series of loose, liquid trills with a distinctive rising and falling pattern.

6. Diet:
The Pine Warblers diet primarily consists of insects and spiders. However, they also eat fruits and seeds, particularly in the winter months, and are one of the few warbler species that can digest seeds.

7. Behavior & Sounds:
Pine Warblers mostly stay high in trees, where they often forage by clinging to pine cones and frequently hang upside down. Their call is a sharp “chip,” and the song is a musical trill. Their behavior is often characterized as energetic yet shy.

8. Conservation Status:
The Pine Warbler is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List. The population is believed to be stable, due in part to their relative tolerance of human-disturbed habitats.

9. Lifespan:
The life span of the Pine Warbler typically ranges from 5 to 7 years in the wild, but some individuals have been known to live more than 10 years.

10. Additional Notes:
The Pine Warbler plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by controlling insect populations through its insectivorous diet. Interaction with humans is minimal, though they can become quite accustomed to human presence and may visit bird feeders during colder months. In Spanish, the Pine Warbler is referred to as “Reinita de los Pinos.” There’s currently ongoing research to understand the full ecological role of Pine Warblers in their forest habitats, especially regarding their impact on insect populations and seed dispersal.