Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) lives in wooded areas across North America. It feeds on insects and spiders. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Wilson's Warbler
- Only 5-10 g of weight, Wilson's warbler... At just 10-12 cm long with a 14-17 cm wingspan, it is one of the tiniest North American songbirds. Its feather-light frame lets it dart through dense shrubs, a skill that helps it catch insects and evade predators.
- The chryseola subspecies nests from northern coastal California up to southwestern Canada, yet its winter migration is to the southern end of the Baja Peninsula. Luxury resorts have replaced its habitat, driving a sharp 21st-century decline.
- Montane Wilson's warblers lay up to seven eggs, more than coastal birds, and their nests often sit hidden in moss at shrub bases. Eggs hatch in 11-15 days and fledglings leave the nest after just 8-13 days.
- Measuring just 10 to 12 cm in length, the Wilson's warbler has a wingspan of 14-17 cm and a mass of 5-10 g. These dimensions place it in the small passerine category, reflected in its delicate, rounded wings and long, slim tail.
- The chryseola subspecies of Wilson's warbler is set apart by an orange-tinged yellow forehead that crowns its bright plumage. This form nests along the coast from northern California up through southwestern coastal Canada, occupying the moist, shrub-laden woodlands of that region. It is formally known as C. chryseola and was first described by Robert Ridgway in 1902.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.
At a glance
RangeNorth America
HabitatWooded areas
DietInsects and spiders
About the Wilson's Warbler
In the lush understory of North America's forests, the Wilson's Warbler flits with irrepressible energy, its bright yellow plumage flashing like a ray of sunlight as it darts between the dense foliage. With each swift, agile movement, this tiny songster weaves an intricate tapestry of sound and color, its melodic trills echoing through the trees as it pursues its ceaseless quest for insects and nectar. As it migrates across the continent, the Wilson's Warbler embodies the very essence of resilience and adaptability, a small but vibrant thread in the rich fabric of the natural world.
Hear the Wilson's Warbler, and 4,400+ more
Real recorded sounds, 11 nature games and a free Daily 5, 1v1 quiz duels, conservation wins and a safe Kids mode. Free on Feravox.
