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Orange crowned Warbler

Birds NameOrange-crowned warbler
Science NameLeiothlypis celata
DomainEukaryota
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyParulidae
GenusLeiothlypis
SpeciesL.celata

The Orange-Crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) is a fascinating and often understated member of the New World warbler family. Known for its subtle plumage and intriguing behaviors, this small songbird is a delight for birdwatchers and ornithologists alike.

The Orange-Crowned Warbler is a small bird, measuring about 12 cm (4.7 in) in length and weighing between 7 to 10 g (0.25 to 0.35 oz). It is characterized by olive-grey upperparts and yellowish underparts with faint streaking. Its bill is thin and pointed, and it has a faint line over each eye with a faint broken eye ring. Despite its name, the orange crown patch is usually not visible. Females and immature birds tend to be duller than males, and western populations exhibit a more yellowish hue compared to their eastern counterparts.

MeasurementOrange-Crowned WarblerTennessee WarblerNashville WarblerVirginia’s Warbler
Length (cm)1211.511-1211-12
Weight (g)7-10107-125.1-7.9
Wingspan (cm)1919.716.5-1916-18
Wing Chord (cm)5.6-6.85.1-6.55.4-6.44.9-5.8
Tail (cm)4.9-5.64.0-4.53.8-5.23.3-4.1
Bill (cm)0.9-1.10.7-0.90.8-1.00.7-0.9
Tarsus (cm)1.5-1.81.5-1.91.7-1.851.5-1.7

Taxonomy

The Orange-Crowned Warbler was first formally described by the American zoologist Thomas Say in 1822 under the binomial name Sylvia celatus. The specific epithet celatus is Latin for “secret” or “hidden,” referring to the often-concealed orange crown patch. The type locality is Omaha, Nebraska. The species is now placed in the genus Leiothlypis, introduced by Dutch ornithologist George Sangster in 2008.

Subspecies

Four subspecies are recognized:

  1. Leiothlypis celata celata – Eastern North America
  2. Leiothlypis celata lutescens – Western North America
  3. Leiothlypis celata sordida – Southern California and Baja California
  4. Leiothlypis celata orestera – Interior western North America

Distribution, Range, and Population

The Orange-Crowned Warbler is widespread across North America, with a breeding range that spans from Alaska and Canada through much of the United States. During winter, it migrates to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America.

RegionBreeding SeasonWinter Season
AlaskaYesNo
CanadaYesNo
United StatesYesYes
MexicoNoYes
Central AmericaNoYes

Population Estimates

Population estimates for the Orange-Crowned Warbler vary, but it is generally considered to be stable. Conservation efforts ensure that their habitat remains protected to support healthy populations.

Habitat

The Orange-Crowned Warbler inhabits a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, shrublands, and riparian areas. During the breeding season, they prefer dense underbrush and thickets. In winter, they can be found in a wider range of habitats, including gardens, parks, and open woodlands.

Habitat TypeBreeding SeasonWinter Season
Deciduous ForestsHighMedium
Mixed WoodlandsHighMedium
ShrublandsMediumHigh
Riparian AreasMediumMedium
Gardens and ParksLowHigh

Behavior

The Orange-Crowned Warbler is an active forager, often seen flitting through shrubs and low trees in search of food. They are known for their distinctive trill song, which descends in pitch and volume. Their call is a high-pitched chip.

BehaviorDescription
ForagingActive, in shrubs and low trees
SongTrill, descending in pitch and volume
CallHigh-pitched chip
MigrationLong-distance, seasonal

Feeding

These warblers primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They are also known to consume berries and nectar, especially during migration and winter when insects are less abundant.

Food TypePercentage of Diet
Insects70%
Spiders10%
Berries15%
Nectar5%

Breeding

Breeding occurs from late spring to early summer. Nests are typically built on the ground or low in shrubs, constructed from grass, leaves, and bark. Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for about 11-13 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after approximately 10-12 days.

AspectOrange-Crowned WarblerTennessee WarblerNashville WarblerVirginia’s Warbler
Breeding SeasonLate Spring-Early SummerLate Spring-Early SummerLate Spring-Early SummerLate Spring-Early Summer
Nest LocationGround/ShrubsTrees/ShrubsGround/ShrubsGround/Shrubs
Clutch Size3-5 eggs3-5 eggs3-5 eggs3-5 eggs
Incubation Period11-13 days11-12 days11-12 days11-12 days
Fledging Period10-12 days10-12 days10-12 days10-12 days

Threats

The primary threats to the Orange-Crowned Warbler include habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation, climate change, and predation by domestic animals and other wildlife.

Threat TypeOrange-Crowned WarblerTennessee WarblerNashville WarblerVirginia’s Warbler
Habitat LossHighHighHighHigh
Climate ChangeMediumMediumMediumMedium
PredationLowLowLowLow

Migration

The Orange-Crowned Warbler is a migratory bird, with populations moving south during the winter months. Migration routes vary, with some birds traveling along the Pacific Coast, while others move through the interior of North America.

SpeciesMigration DistancePrimary Wintering AreasMigration Period
Orange-Crowned WarblerLong-DistanceSouthern U.S., Mexico, Central AmericaFall and Spring
Tennessee WarblerLong-DistanceCentral America, Northern South AmericaFall and Spring
Nashville WarblerLong-DistanceCentral America, Northern South AmericaFall and Spring
Virginia’s WarblerShort to Medium-DistanceSouthwestern U.S., MexicoFall and Spring

Conclusion

The Orange-Crowned Warbler is a captivating species with a wide range of interesting behaviors and characteristics. Understanding its description, taxonomy, distribution, population, habitat, behavior, feeding, breeding, threats, and migration offers a comprehensive view of this remarkable bird. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect their habitats and ensure the survival of the species. Bird enthusiasts and researchers continue to study and admire the subtle beauty and ecological importance of the Orange-Crowned Warbler, contributing to its preservation and appreciation in the natural world.

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