Adelaide's Warbler

Setophaga adelaidae

The Adelaide's Warbler (Setophaga adelaidae) is a charismatic and diminutive New World warbler, endemic to Puerto Rico and the nearby island of Vieques. Measuring approximately 11-12.5 cm (4.3-4.9 inches) in length and weighing about 6-8 grams, this species is characterized by its bright yellow underparts, contrasting with a gray head and back. Distinctive field marks include a prominent yellow supercilium, a broken white eye-ring (appearing as an upper and lower arc), and two subtle white wi...

Habitat

This species primarily inhabits dry limestone forests, moist montane forests, and shade coffee plantations, typically found at low to mid-elevations across its limited island range.

Diet

Adelaide's Warblers are primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide variety of small arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, which they glean from foliage and branches.

Behavior

Adelaide's Warblers are diurnal and highly active, spending most of their time foraging in the middle to upper canopy of trees. They are agile gleaners, methodically searching leaves and branches for insects, often employing hover-gleaning and occasional hawking. Males are territorial, defending ...

Range

The Adelaide's Warbler is strictly endemic to the Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico and the smaller, eastern island of Vieques. It is a non-migratory, resident species, spending its entire life cycle within this limited geographic area. Within Puerto Rico, it is widely distributed across the main ...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The Adelaide's Warbler is one of only four *Setophaga* warbler species endemic to the Caribbean islands, highlighting its unique evolutionary path. - It was named in 1865 by Spencer Fullerton Baird in honor of Adelaide Swift, the daughter of American ornithologist Robert Swift. - Despite its re...

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