cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 4 inches

• small, active, insect-eating bird

• Wing bars

• Thin, pointed bill

Adult male:

• Pale blue to blue-gray upperparts with black streaks on back

• White underparts with thin black band across breast

• Black streaks on sides

Female and immature:

• White supercilium

• Upperparts not as blue as male-more gray

• Lacks breast band of male, streaking on sides reduced

Similar species:

Although not as colorful as some other warblers, the male cerulean
warbler is recognizable by its white underparts crossed by a thin black
band. This field mark is useful since this bird often forages high in the
canopy where the pale blue upperparts are not easily seen. Females,
and especially immatures, are very nondescript but have bold white
superciliums, mostly white underparts, and wing bars. There is often a
hint of bluish color, especially on the crown.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Neotropical migrant
Breeding Habitat: Woodland
Nest Location: Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 3-5
Length of Incubation: 12-13(?) days
Days to Fledge: ?
Number of Broods: ?
Diet: Primarily insects

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May U
      Su - Summer: June, July, August U
      Fall: September, October, November

      Winter: December, January, February

 

 

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