Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 4.3–4.7 in
11–12 cm - Wingspan
- 5.9 in
15 cm - Weight
- 0.3 oz
9 g
Other Names
- Paruline à ailes bleues (French)
- Cipe ala azul (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- Hybridizes extensively with Golden-winged Warbler, giving rise to the distinctly plumaged "Brewster's" and "Lawrence's" warblers.
- The Blue-winged Warbler continues to expand its range and may be responsible for the decrease in Golden-winged Warbler populations in some areas.
Habitat
Open Woodland
- Early to midsuccession habitats, especially abandoned farmland and forest clearings.
- Breeds at forest/field edges, often shaded by large trees.
Food
Insects
Insects and spiders.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 2–7 eggs
- Egg Description
- White with small spots of brown or gray near large end.
- Condition at Hatching
- Downy and helpless.
Nest Description
Open cup of grasses, bark and dead leaves. Leaves may form cap over eggs. Usually on or near ground.
Nest Placement
Ground
Behavior
Foliage Gleaner
Forages mostly in upper half of trees and shrubs. Probes dead leaf clusters in winter. Often hangs upside down.
Conservation
Least Concern
Not threatened. Abandonment of farmlands increased nesting habitat, but suburban sprawl is decreasing it.
Credits
- Gill, F. B., R. A. Canterbury, and J. L. Confer. 2001. Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora pinus). In The Birds of North America, No. 584 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.