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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CLXII
Field-journal plate: Cape May Warbler
The Cape May Warbler plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CLXII

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

Parulidae · Taxon 145231

LengthBoth sexes: 4.7–5.1 in (12–13 cm)
WingspanBoth sexes: 7.9–8.7 in (20–22 cm)
WeightBoth sexes: 0.4–0.5 oz (10.2–15.2 g)

Field marks

  1. Small, delicate warbler with a short tail
  2. Slender, dark, slightly downcurved bill and dark eye
  3. Yellow underparts marked with narrow dark “tiger” streaks
  4. Adult male has a chestnut cheek framed by yellow; females and immatures are duller with a grayish cheek
  5. Olive upperparts and dark wings with a conspicuous white patch or wingbars
  6. Dark, slender legs and white undertail coverts

HabitatBreeds in mature boreal forests dominated by spruce and balsam fir, often near openings or forest edges. During migration it uses varied woodland, scrub, and thickets; nonbreeding habitats include shrubby plantings, second growth, pine and broadleaf forest, dry forest, and mangroves.

BehaviorActive foliage gleaner that forages especially among outer treetop branches, probing and picking insects, hovering at foliage, and sallying for flying prey. It also takes nectar, sap, and fruit, migrates mainly at night, and is territorial during the breeding season.

Palette

bright yellowolive greenchestnut brownblackwhite