Grace's Warbler Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A small songbird with a small, fine bill and a medium-length tail.

  Relative Size

  Slightly larger than a Verdin, slightly smaller than a Yellow-rumped Warbler.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 4.7 in (12 cm)
    • Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (7-9 g)
    • Wingspan: 7.9 in (20 cm)

• Color Pattern

  Adult males are ashy gray above with a yellow face and throat. They are mostly white below with black stripes on the flanks. They have two strong white wingbars. Adult females are similar but less boldly patterned.

• Behavior

  Hops along thin branches in the tops of pine trees to glean insects and spiders from bark and foliage, especially pine needle clusters. Occasionally captures insects in flight or on the ground.

• Habitat

  Nests in mature pine and pine-oak forests of mountains of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central America. Uses similar habitats on migration and in winter range.