Cardellina rubrifrons
The Red-faced Warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons) is an unequivocally striking member of the New World warbler family, Parulidae, known for its vivid, eponymous facial coloration. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length and weighing a mere 8-11 grams (0.28-0.39 ounces), this small passerine is easily identified by its bright scarlet face, contrasting with a deep black cap and nape, clean white underparts, and a slate-gray back. Its prominent white belly and dark back serve as ...
This warbler primarily inhabits mature montane pine-oak and mixed coniferous forests, often favoring areas with dense understory and canyon bottoms. It thrives at elevations typically ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters (5,000-10,000 feet).
The Red-faced Warbler's diet consists almost exclusively of insects and other small invertebrates, including caterpillars, beetles, flies, true bugs, and spiders. They primarily forage by gleaning prey from leaves, twigs, and bark, and occasionally by hawking flying insects.
Red-faced Warblers are diurnal and highly active insectivores, constantly moving through the forest canopy and understory in search of prey. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning insects from foliage and bark, though they will also sally out to hawk flying insects. Males are highly ...
The Red-faced Warbler's breeding range is primarily confined to the "sky island" mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in the United States, extending south through the Sierra Madre Occidental and Oriental mountain systems of Mexico. Breeding occurs at high elevation...
Least Concern
- The genus name "Cardellina" translates to "little goldfinch," a charming misnomer for this vibrant warbler. - Unlike many warblers that forage high in the canopy, Red-faced Warblers are often seen searching for insects in the lower understory and even on the ground. - Its brilliant red face, bl...