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Golden-cheeked Warbler

ID Info
Silhouette WarblersWarblers
Golden-cheeked WarblerSetophaga chrysoparia
  • ORDER: Passeriformes
  • FAMILY: Parulidae

Basic Description

At close range, an adult male Golden-cheeked Warbler’s rich black plumage and golden cheeks seem to be made of velveteen. This stunning but endangered warbler is found only in the Texas Hill Country where it nests in juniper-oak woodlands. Along with the Hermit, Townsend’s, and Black-throated Green Warblers, it is part of a fascinating evolutionary puzzle of similar species with black-and-gold plumage and buzzy songs, spread across evergreen forests from Alaska to Appalachia.

More ID Info
image of range map for Golden-cheeked Warbler
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Find This Bird

Males return to nesting grounds early, so look and listen for this bird from late March until they quiet down in mid-May. Although a few Golden-cheeks inhabit suburbs, most are in pristine juniper-oak woodland in protected parks and refuges of the Edwards Plateau of central Texas. This is one of North America’s true gems but may require some patience to find as they often forage inside vegetation. Note that for this endangered species, attracting males using song playback is prohibited in most places.

Other Names

  • Reinita Caridorada (Spanish)
  • Paruline à dos noir (French)
  • Cool Facts