Cuban Warblers

The Cuban warblers, comprising the yellow-headed warbler and the Oriente warbler, belong to a unique family (Teretistridae) that is endemic to Cuba and its nearby cays. Originally thought to be part of the New World warblers, DNA studies have since shown they are distinct and perhaps more closely related to the wrenthrush. These small birds, about 13 cm in length, have a diet consisting mostly of insects, particularly beetles, but they also consume small reptiles and fruit. They can be found in forests and scrublands, with the yellow-headed warbler occupying the western regions and the Oriente warbler found in the east. Both have similar yellow and grey plumage; however, their feeding habits differ slightly, with the yellow-headed typically feeding lower in trees than the Oriente. They form small flocks, often serving as the nucleus for mixed-species groups that include migrant birds from North America. Breeding season occurs between March and July, with nests being simple unlined cups located close to the ground. The nesting biology of these warblers is not extensively documented, but their distinctiveness is recognized by several ornithological authorities, and their conservation is important given their limited range.