Basileuterus culicivorus
The Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus) is a striking New World warbler of the family Parulidae, often admired for its vibrant plumage and distinctive head pattern. Measuring approximately 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 inches) in length and weighing 8.5-12.5 grams (0.30-0.44 ounces), this species exhibits bright yellow underparts contrasting vividly with olive-green upperparts. Its most defining field mark is the brilliant golden-yellow crown, prominently bordered by thick black lateral str...
Found primarily in humid montane and foothill forests, woodlands, and secondary growth, often favoring dense understory and shade-grown coffee plantations, at elevations typically ranging from 300 to 2,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of arthropods including caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and even small flies, gleaned from foliage and bark or occasionally snatched in flight.
This active warbler is often observed foraging deliberately through the lower to mid-story of dense vegetation, gleaning insects and other arthropods from foliage and bark, and occasionally performing short aerial sallies to catch flying prey. It maintains a relatively solitary existence outside ...
The Golden-crowned Warbler boasts an extensive Neotropical distribution, ranging from northeastern Mexico south through Central America to northern and central South America. In Mexico, its range encompasses both the Gulf and Pacific slopes, extending into the central highlands and Oaxaca. It is ...
Least Concern
- The Golden-crowned Warbler's scientific name, Basileuterus culicivorus, translates roughly to "mosquito-eating king," highlighting its insectivorous diet. - Despite its name, it is not a true "kinglet" but belongs to the New World warbler family (Parulidae). - This species exhibits an impressiv...