Hooded Warbler

The Hooded Warbler, Setophaga citrina, is a small and vibrant New World warbler. It is a mid-sized member of its family, measuring approximately 13 cm (5.1 in) in length and weighing between 9-12 g (0.32-0.42 oz). The species boasts an olive to green-brown back with striking yellow underparts. The male is particularly notable for its black hood, which frames its yellow face, while the female has an olive-green cap that does not extend to the forehead, ears, and throat.

Identification Tips

To identify the Hooded Warbler, look for the male's unmistakable black hood encircling the yellow face. Females and immature males can be recognized by their olive-green cap. Both sexes have outer tail feathers with white vanes, which are often visible in flight. The bird's wingspan is about 17.5 cm (6.9 in).

Habitat

The Hooded Warbler favors broadleaved woodlands with dense undergrowth, which provide ample cover and foraging opportunities.

Distribution

This warbler breeds across eastern North America, extending from the eastern United States into southernmost Canada, particularly Ontario. It is a migratory species, wintering in Central America and the West Indies. On rare occasions, it has been recorded as a vagrant in western Europe.

Behaviour

The Hooded Warbler is known for its active foraging behavior, often found in the lower vegetation or engaging in flycatching. It is also recognized for its vulnerability to brood parasitism by the Brown-headed Cowbird, particularly in fragmented forest habitats.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a melodious series of notes, transcribed as "wheeta wheeta whee-tee-oh," reminiscent of the phrase "The red, the red T-shirt" or "Come to the woods or you won't see me." The species' call is a sharp and loud "chip."

Breeding

During the breeding season, Hooded Warblers nest in the lower sections of bushes. They lay three to five eggs in a cup-shaped nest. The population is stable and possibly increasing in areas with protected or recovering woodlands.

Similar Species

The Hooded Warbler can be confused with other warblers, particularly females and immature males, which lack the distinctive black hood. Observers should note the white tail spots and the specific facial pattern for accurate identification.

Diet and Feeding

Insects form the primary diet of the Hooded Warbler. It employs both foraging among low vegetation and flycatching tactics to capture its prey.

Conservation Status

The Hooded Warbler is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable or increasing population in suitable habitats.