Townsend's Warbler
NameTownsend's Warbler
Common NameTownsend's Warbler
Scientific NameSetophaga townsendi
FamilyParulidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsMales have a distinctive black cap, bright yellow face with a prominent black mask extending through the eye, and a black bib on the throat. The back is olive-green with black streaks, underparts are yellow with heavy black streaking on the flanks, and wings show two white bars. Females and immatures are similar but duller, with less intense black and yellow.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a series of buzzy, high-pitched notes, often described as 'weezy weezy weezy' or 'zee-zee-zee-zwee-zwee'. The call note is a sharp 'chip'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in mature coniferous and mixed forests of the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains of North America. Winters along the Pacific coast from California south through Mexico and Central America.
Identifying Featuresblack cap, bright yellow face, prominent black mask, black bib (male), olive-green back, yellow underparts with black streaking, two white wing bars
Description
The Townsend's Warbler is a small, active songbird known for its striking yellow and black plumage. It forages primarily for insects in the canopy of coniferous forests, often gleaning from needles and bark.
