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