| Birds Name | Grace's warbler |
| Science Name | Setophaga graciae |
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S.graciae |
Grace’s Warbler (Setophaga graciae) is a charming and specialized bird species that primarily inhabits pine woods. Discovered by Elliott Coues in 1864 in the Rocky Mountains, this small New World warbler was named after his sister, Grace Darling Coues. Spencer Fullerton Baird scientifically described the species in 1865.
Grace’s Warbler is a small bird, measuring between 11 to 13 cm in length. It features a mostly gray top with broken black streaks across the back and flanks. The wings have two white bars, while the throat and breast are a vibrant yellow. The rest of the underparts are white. Notable features include a yellow half-eye ring under the eye and a long yellow “eyebrow” stripe that starts at the base of the beak and runs above the eye, fading to white after it passes the eye.
| Measurement | Grace’s Warbler | Hermit Warbler | Townsend’s Warbler | Yellow-Throated Warbler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (cm) | 11-13 | 14 | 12-13 | 14 |
| Weight (grams) | 8-10 | 8.5-14.2 | 8-10 | 9-11 |
| Wingspan (cm) | 19-21 | 20 | 19-21 | 20-22 |
| Wing Chord (cm) | 6.0-6.8 | 6.5-7.5 | 6.5-7.0 | 6.8-7.3 |
| Tail (cm) | 4.0-4.8 | 4.5-5.5 | 4.5-5.0 | 5-5.6 |
| Bill (cm) | 0.8-1.0 | 0.9-1.1 | 0.8-1.0 | 0.9-1.1 |
| Tarsus (cm) | 1.5-1.8 | 1.7-2.0 | 1.6-1.8 | 1.7-2.0 |
Taxonomy
Grace’s Warbler belongs to the genus Setophaga, which encompasses a diverse range of New World warblers. The species was scientifically described by Spencer Fullerton Baird in 1865 after its discovery by Elliott Coues.
Distribution and Range
Grace’s Warbler primarily breeds in the southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is also found in Mexico, extending into Central America during the winter months.
| Region | Breeding Season | Winter Season |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern US | Yes | No |
| Mexico | Yes | Yes |
| Central America | No | Yes |
Population
The population of Grace’s Warbler is stable, with no significant threats currently impacting their numbers. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their pine woodland habitats.
| Region | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| Southwestern US | Stable |
| Mexico | Stable |
| Central America | Stable |
Habitat
Grace’s Warblers are specialists in pine woods, preferring mature pine forests during the breeding season. They are commonly found in areas with a mix of pines and other conifers.
| Habitat Type | Presence (Breeding) | Presence (Wintering) |
|---|---|---|
| Pine Forests | High | Medium |
| Mixed Coniferous Forests | Medium | Medium |
| Urban/Suburban Areas | Low | Low |
Behavior
Grace’s Warblers are active foragers, often seen gleaning insects from pine needles and branches. They are known for their distinctive song, a series of clear, high-pitched notes, and their “chip” calls.
| Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Foraging | Insects, spiders, seeds, berries |
| Singing | Clear, high-pitched notes |
| Migration | Long-distance migrant |
| Nesting | Builds nests in pine trees |
Feeding
Grace’s Warblers primarily feed on insects and spiders, but they also consume berries and seeds, especially during migration and winter.
| Food Type | Percentage of Diet |
|---|---|
| Insects | 70% |
| Spiders | 20% |
| Berries | 5% |
| Seeds | 5% |
Breeding
Breeding occurs from late spring to early summer. Grace’s Warblers build nests high in pine trees, using twigs, grasses, and moss. The female lays 3-5 eggs, which she incubates for about 12 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after approximately 10-12 days.
| Aspect | Grace’s Warbler | Hermit Warbler | Townsend’s Warbler | Yellow-Throated Warbler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breeding Season | Late Spring-Summer | Late Spring-Summer | Late Spring-Summer | Late Spring-Summer |
| Nest Location | High in Pine Trees | High in Trees | High in Trees | High in Trees |
| Clutch Size | 3-5 eggs | 3-5 eggs | 3-5 eggs | 3-5 eggs |
| Incubation Period | 12 days | 12 days | 12 days | 12-13 days |
| Fledging Period | 10-12 days | 10-12 days | 10-12 days | 10-12 days |
Threats
The primary threats to Grace’s Warblers include habitat destruction due to logging and deforestation. Climate change may also impact their migratory patterns and the availability of suitable habitats.
| Threat Type | Grace’s Warbler | Hermit Warbler | Townsend’s Warbler | Yellow-Throated Warbler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat Loss | High | High | High | High |
| Climate Change | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Predation | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Migration
Grace’s Warblers are long-distance migrants. They leave their breeding grounds in the southwestern United States in early fall, traveling to Mexico and Central America for the winter.
| Species | Migration Distance | Primary Wintering Areas | Migration Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace’s Warbler | Long-Distance | Mexico, Central America | Fall and Spring |
| Hermit Warbler | Long-Distance | Mexico, Central America | Fall and Spring |
| Townsend’s Warbler | Long-Distance | Mexico, Central America | Fall and Spring |
| Yellow-Throated Warbler | Long-Distance | Caribbean, Central and South America | Fall and Spring |
Conclusion
Grace’s Warbler is a remarkable bird known for its distinctive plumage and melodic song. Understanding its description, taxonomy, distribution, population, habitat, behavior, feeding, breeding, threats, and migration provides a comprehensive overview of this species. As bird enthusiasts and conservationists, it is essential to continue studying and protecting these birds to ensure their survival for future generations to enjoy. Whether you’re observing them in their breeding grounds or wintering habitats, Grace’s Warbler is a delightful addition to any birdwatcher’s list.