Northern Parula

The Northern Parula, Setophaga americana, is a diminutive New World warbler, often one of the smallest birds within a mixed feeding flock, save for kinglets or gnatcatchers. Its upper parts are mainly blue-gray, with a greenish patch on the back and two white wing bars. The underparts are a blend of yellow and white, with the breeding male distinguished by bluish and rufous breast bands and striking white eye crescents. Post-breeding, the plumage becomes more subdued, and the female's appearance is generally duller with less pronounced breast bands.

Identification Tips

To identify the Northern Parula, look for its small size, ranging from 10.8 to 12.4 cm in length, with a wingspan of 16 to 18 cm. The male's unique breast bands and white eye crescents are key features during the breeding season. Females and non-breeding males may lack the distinct breast bands, making them appear more uniform in color.

Habitat

The Northern Parula selects different habitats across its range. In the north, it prefers mature, moist coniferous forests, while in the south, it is drawn to mature, moist, bottomland forests with an abundance of Spanish moss. The species' habitat choices are linked to the availability of suitable nesting materials, such as hanging moss or coniferous twigs.

Distribution

This migratory species breeds in eastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida, and winters in southern Florida, northern Central America, the West Indies, and most of the Lesser Antilles. It is a rare vagrant to western Europe. Notably, there are gaps in its breeding range, possibly due to habitat changes or pollution affecting nesting material availability.

Behaviour

The Northern Parula is primarily monogamous, with occasional reports of polygamy. Breeding begins in March for southern populations and in May for northern ones. The species shows a preference for nesting sites near water and often places nests at the ends of branches overhanging water. Southern parulas may raise two broods per season, while northern populations typically raise one.

Song & Calls

The Northern Parula's song is a distinctive click-like trill or buzz, described as "zeeeeee-yip," and its call is a soft "chip."

Breeding

Nesting occurs in humid woodlands with Old Man's Beard lichen or Spanish moss. The female crafts a scantily lined cup nest within these materials, laying 3–7 eggs. Incubation lasts 12 to 14 days, and fledging occurs at 10 to 11 days. Breeding maturity is reached by the following year.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of terrestrial invertebrates, including spiders, damselflies, locusts, and various insects. Caterpillars and spiders are favored food items. The Northern Parula employs a hover-glean method to capture prey from vegetation but is adaptable in its foraging techniques.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Northern Parula as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.