Oct 19, 2018
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Worm-eating warbler - Helmitheros vermivorum
The worm-eating warbler is distributed over South America, North America, Central America and the Caribbean region. These warbler species feed on insects, insect larvae and caterpillars. These warblers are monotypic species.
Appearance, physical description and identification
The worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) is a small warbler, measuring 12-13 cm in length and weighing 11 to 17 grams.The worm-eating warbler has buff colored head with a broad black crown stripe extending to nape. There is a black eye stripe extending to the side of the neck. The upperparts are olive brown. The underparts are pale buff.
The large, long black bill is pinkish gray. The irises are blackish. There is a pale white eye-ring. The legs and feet are pinkish. The call is a loud, clear "chip" or a short high-pitched trilling sound.
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| 1.Bird World - Image of Worm-eating warbler - Helmitheros vermivorum by Aaron Maizlish |
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| 2.Bird World - Image of Worm-eating warbler - Helmitheros vermivorum by Aaron Maizlish |
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| 3.Bird World - Image of Worm-eating warbler - Helmitheros vermivorum by http://www.birdphotos.com |
Origin, geographical range and distribution
The worm-eating warbler is distributed in eastern and southern parts of USA, Caribbean region, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and northwestern extreme of Colombia and Venezuela.Ecosystem and habitat
The worm-eating warbler species have moderate forest dependence. They normally occur in altitudes between 0 to 1500 meters.The natural ecosystems and habitats of these species include subtropical and tropical dry forests, deciduous and mixed forests, moist lowland forests, mangrove forests, temperate forests and pine plantations.
Diet and feeding behavior
The diet of the worm-eating warbler species consists mainly of insects. Larval insects, caterpillars, insects, bees, beetles and spiders are their primary food.These warbler species primarily forage by gleaning in the understorey and on the ground. The species name appears to be a misnomer. Apparently worms are not a significant source of nourishment for these species.
Reproduction and breeding habits
The breeding season of the worm-eating warbler species is from May to July in most of their breeding range. The breeding sites are found in wooded slopes of dense deciduous forests.These species are monogamous and highly territorial. They nest usually on the ground. The nest is well hidden among dead leaves. The nest is a cup of dead leaves, lined with hair moss and leaves.
The female warbler builds the nest and incubates the eggs. The clutch contains three to six glossy white eggs with brown spotting on the broader side. The chicks hatch out after 13 days and leave the nest after ten days.
Migration and movement patterns
The worm-eating warbler species are migratory birds. Breeding populations occur in eastern and southern parts of USA (excluding Florida peninsula). After breeding, they move southwards for wintering.The warblers winter in Caribbean region, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and northwestern extreme of Colombia and Venezuela.
They return to the breeding grounds in early summer. Passage birds are found in coastal areas of Gulf of Mexico and Florida.
Worm-eating warbler - Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Helmitheros vermivorum
- Species author: (Gmelin 1789)
- Synonyms/Protonym: Motacilla vermivora J. F. Gmelin, 1789
- Family: Parulidae › Passeriformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia,
- Vernacular names: English: Worm-eating warbler, Chinese: 食虫莺, French: Paruline vermivore, German: Haldenwaldsänger, Spanish: Reinita gusanera, Russian: Настоящая червеедка, Japanese: フタスジアメリカムシクイ
- Other names: Worm-eating Warbler
- Distribution: South America, North America, Caribbean
- Diet and feeding habits: insects, invertebrates, caterpillars, worms, spiders
- IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)
Conservation and survival
The global population size of the worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) has not been quantified. The overall population trend of the species is considered to be increasing.In most of its range, this species is reported to be common. The generation length is 3.9 years. Its distribution size is about 2,520,000 sq.km.
Ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, agricultural expansion, deforestation and logging activities are the main threats that are endangering the survival of this warbler species.
IUCN and CITES status
The worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable either under the range size criterion or under the population trend criterion or under the population size criterion.The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the warbler species and has listed it as of "Least Concern".
The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum).
| Taxonomy and scientific classification of Helmitheros vermivorum | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Parulidae |
| Subfamily: | - |
| Genus: | Helmitheros |
| Species: | H. vermivorum |
| Binomial name: | Helmitheros vermivorum |
| IUCN status listing: |
 Least Concern |
1.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/amaizlish/26981372974/in/photostream/ (cropped)
Image author: Aaron Maizlish | License: CC BY-NC 2.0 as on 10/19/18
2.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/amaizlish/14356307193/ (cropped)
Image author: Aaron Maizlish | License: CC BY-NC 2.0 as on 10/19/18
3.Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Worm-eating_Warbler.jpg (cropped)
Image author: http://www.birdphotos.com | License: CC BY 3.0 as on 10/19/18
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