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Colima Warbler

This Warbler isn't too widespread, yet its population is strong.

The little studied Colima Warbler breeds only in the Chisos Mountains of western Texas and the Sierra Madre Oriental of northeastern Mexico.

 

Description of the Colima Warbler

BREEDING MALE

Back olive brown, small rufous cap.  Face gray with white eye ring. Pale brownish underparts with yellow/orange undertail coverts.  Length: 6 in.  Wingspan: 8 in.

colima warbler

Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Female

Sexes similar.

Seasonal change in appearance

No significant change, worn adults slightly paler.

Juvenile

Immatures are similar to fall adults.

Habitat

Oak woods in mountainous areas of the Big Bend region of Texas.

Diet

Spiders, insects, larva.

Behavior

Gleans along tree trunks, branches and flowers. May take prey in the air or on the ground.  Often in and out of low shrubs.

Range

Chisos Mountains of the Big Bend region of Texas, south into Mexico.  Population status unknown.

Fun Facts

Because of its very limited range, the Colima Warbler is on the “most wanted” listed of many birders.

More facts about this species, reference:

Wauer, R. H. 1994. A closer look: Colima Warbler. Birding 26:250-253.

Vocalizations

A wavering trill with upslurred notes.

 

Similar Species

Virginia’s Warbler
Virginia’s Warbler has a grayer back, usually with yellow on chest.

 

Nesting

Nests on the ground, under a variety of protective covers.  Nest of grass, leaves, moss, and or cedar bark is lined with finer grass and hair.

Number: Usually lay 3-4.
Color: Creamy white with darker markings.

Incubation and fledging:
– Young hatch at about 12 days.
– Young fledge at about 11 days.

 

Bent Life History of the Colima Warbler

Not available.

About the Author

Sam Crowe

Sam is the founder of Birdzilla.com. He has been birding for over 30 years and has a world list of over 2000 species. He has served as treasurer of the Texas Ornithological Society, Sanctuary Chair of Dallas Audubon, Editor of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" web site and as a contributing editor for Birding Business magazine. Many of his photographs and videos can be found on the site.

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