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Tricky Bird IDs
WarblersVirginia's Warbler
Leiothlypis virginiae- ORDER: Passeriformes
- FAMILY: Parulidae
Basic Description
The Virginia's Warbler is a small, gray warbler with a big-eyed look and sports yellow highlights on the chest and under the rump. It hops with a twitch through vegetation, wagging its tail and picking insects from trees and shrubs as it goes. This easily overlooked warbler hails from pinyon-pine and oak woodlands in the Southwest, not Virginia as its name might imply. It occupies a small area in the United States and is a species of conservation concern.
More ID InfoFind This Bird
Virginia's Warblers have a reputation for being shy and timid, so the best time to look for them is from late April through June when they are more likely to be singing, making them easier to find. They tend to forage in the interior portion of trees in the middle levels of the open pinyon-pine and oak woodlands where they often get overlooked, perhaps because they aren't so brightly colored. Their behavior though, might be one thing that catches your eye, as they frequently wag their tail up and down, and generally don't hold still for long.
Other Names
- Reinita de Virginia (Spanish)
- Paruline de Virginia (French)
Backyard Tips
Virginia's Warblers don't visit feeders but they might come to backyards within their range to forage on insects in your trees and shrubs. Learn more about how you can provide habitat in your yard for warblers and other wildlife at Habitat Network.
