Setophaga citrina
The Hooded Warbler, a gem of the eastern North American woodlands, is a small yet striking passerine, measuring typically 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 inches) and weighing 8-12 grams. Males are instantly recognizable by their brilliant yellow face and underparts, contrasting sharply with a distinctive black hood and throat. Females, while lacking the full hood, sport a more subdued olive-green back and bright yellow underparts, often with a grayish ...
Prefers mature deciduous or mixed forests with a well-developed, dense understory layer of shrubs and saplings, often near streams or damp areas. Typically found at low to mid-elevations across its range.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide variety of arthropods including caterpillars, beetles, flies, spiders, and true bugs. Forages actively by gleaning from foliage, hovering, and sallying for flying insects.
Hooded Warblers are active, diurnal foragers, constantly moving through the understory. They primarily glean insects from the undersides of leaves and twigs, but also frequently hover and sally to catch flying prey, often using a distinctive tail-flicking motion to flush out hidden insects. Males...
The Hooded Warbler breeds extensively across eastern North America, primarily throughout the southeastern United States, extending north to southern Michigan, southern Ontario, central New York, and southern New England. Its western breeding limits reach eastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and east...
Least Concern
- The Hooded Warbler's scientific name, *Setophaga citrina*, means 'citrus-eating moth-eater', though it rarely eats citrus and primarily consumes insects. - Male Hooded Warblers typically develop their full, striking black hood by their first breeding season. - Its distinctive song is often refe...