Showing posts with label Birds of South America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birds of South America. Show all posts

Para oropendola (Psarocolius bifasciatus)

HomePlumbeous euphonia › Para oropendola - Psarocolius bifasciatus

Para oropendola (Psarocolius bifasciatus), also known as Olive oropendola, belongs to the family Icteridae.

The Para oropendola species is endemic to Brazil and is found in the Amazon forests. The oropendola is a non-migratory resident birds. This oropendola species is monotypic.

Key Facts Description
Pictures of Para Oropendola Distribution
Ecosystem & Habitat Conservation

Para oropendola - Description and identification

The Psarocolius bifasciatus species is a large oropendola measuring 45 to 55 cm in length and weighing 200 to 430 grams. The males are larger.

These species have chestnut colored back, wings, flanks and belly. The head and chest are dark. There are yellowish outer rectrices. The facial skin is pinkish.

The black bill is stout, long, pointed with orange tip. The legs and feet are grayish. The irises are brown. The eye ring is pale gray. The call is a gurgling "stek-ek-ek-ek" sound.
Image of Para oropendola - Psarocolius bifasciatus
1.Para oropendola - Psarocolius bifasciatus
Image by Francis de Laporte de Castelnau


Image of Para oropendola - Psarocolius bifasciatus
2.Para oropendola - Psarocolius bifasciatus
Image by Carol Foil

Para oropendola - Geographical range and distribution

This oropendola species is endemic to Brazil and is found in the southern Amazon forest and the Amazon delta in the state of Para.

Ecosystem and habitat

The Para oropendola species have high forest dependence. They normally occur in altitudes between 0 to 100 meters.The artificial ecosystems and habitats include plantations near the forests.

The natural ecosystems and habitats of these species include tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, tall broadleaf forests and tropical and subtropical moist swamp and estuarine forests.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of these species consists mainly of berries and fruits. Berries, fruits, insects and small vertebrates are their primary food.

They are particularly adapted for feeding on the forest canopy. They feed alone or in pairs. Sometimes, they feed in small groups.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these species is during the month of February. They breed in small colonies.

The nest is a long, hanging bag-like structure, built with plant fibers and vines. Not much is known about their reproductive and nesting habits.

Migration and movement patterns

The Para oropendola species are non-migratory, resident birds.

Post breeding, the juveniles may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. Within their range they may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Para oropendola - Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Psarocolius bifasciatus
  • Species author: (von Spix, 1824)
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Cassicus bifasciatus Spix, 1824
  • Family: Icteridae › Passeriformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Para oropendola, Chinese: 亚马孙拟掠鸟, French: Cassique du Para, German: Parástirnvogel, Spanish: Cacique de Pará, Russian: Амазонская оропендола, Japanese: チャバラオオツリスドリ
  • Other names: Amazonian Oropendola, Olive Oropendola
  • Distribution: endemic to Brazil
  • Diet and feeding habits: fruits, nectar, insects, small vertebrates
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)

Para oropendola - Conservation and survival

The global population size of the Para oropendola (Psarocolius bifasciatus) has not been quantified. The overall population trend of the species is considered to be decreasing.

In most of its range, this species is reported to be uncommon to rare. The generation length is 4.6 years. Its distribution size is about 178,000 sq.km.

Ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion and deforestation are the main threats that may endanger the survival of the species.

IUCN and CITES status

The Para oropendola (Psarocolius bifasciatus) species 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 species and has listed it as of "Least Concern (LC)".

The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the Para oropendola (Psarocolius bifasciatus).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Psarocolius bifasciatus
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family:Icteridae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Psarocolius
Species:P. bifasciatus
Binomial name:Psarocolius bifasciatus
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
The Olive oropendola (Psarocolius bifasciatus) is closely related to the Amazonian Oropendola (Psarocolius yuracares).
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1.Para oropendola image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Psarocolius_(bifasciatus)_yurucares_-_Castelnau.jpg
Image author: Francis de Laporte de Castelnau | Public domain
2.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dermoidhome/3781548597
Image author: Carol Foil | License: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 as on 1/18/19
Link to Creative Commons copyright licenses


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Plumbeous euphonia (𝐸𝑢𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝑝𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑎)

HomeLesser goldfinch › Plumbeous euphonia - Euphonia plumbea

The plumbeous euphonia (E. plumbea) belongs to the family of finch and euphonia, the Fringillidae.

The plumbeous euphonia species are distributed in Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. The euphonia is non-migratory resident species. This euphonia species is monotypic.

Key Facts Description
Pictures of Plumbeous Euphonia Distribution
Ecosystem & Habitat Conservation

Plumbeous euphonia - Description and identification

The Plumbeous euphonia is a small finch measuring 9 to 10 cm in length and weighing 8 to 10 grams.

The males of these species have bluish gray upperparts, head and breast. The underparts are yellow and the yellow flanks are streaked gray. The females are somewhat duller.

The bill is stout and steel gray. The legs and feet are grayish. The irises are dark. The eye ring is dark gray. The call is a whistling "dee.. dee.." or "weet" sound.
Plumbeous euphonia image
Plumbeous euphonia - Euphonia plumbea
Image by Hector Bottai


Plumbeous euphonia - Geographical range and distribution

This species is endemic to South America and is distributed in Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

The Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) of the species in Brazil are, Tepuis do Amazonas, Parque Nacional do Jaú, Campinas e Várzeas do Rio Branco and Ecológico Projeto Dinâmica Biológica de Fragmentos Florestais e Entorno.

The IBA of this species in Venezuela are, Yavita-Pimichin, Reserva Forestal Sipapo, Parque Nacional Serranía La Neblina, Parque Nacional Canaima, Campamento Junglaven, Yapacana National Park and Reserva Forestal Imataca.

The IBA of plumbeous euphonia in Suriname are, Bakhuys mountains and Centraal Suriname Nature Reserve. The IBA in Colombia are, Parque Nacional Natural Chiribiquete and Riberas de la Cuenca Baja del Río Inírida.

Ecosystem and habitat

The plumbeous euphonia species has low forest dependence. They normally occur in altitudes between 0 to 1000 meters. The artificial ecosystems include heavily degraded forests.

The natural ecosystems and habitats of these species include tropical and subtropical dry and moist shrublands, tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, dry savanna, rocky areas and scattered trees in savanna.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of the plumbeous euphonia species consists mainly of berries and fruits. Berries, small fruits and plant matter are their primary food. They are particularly adapted for feeding on mistletoe berries, which are poisonous.

Reproduction and breeding habits

They appear to build dome shaped plant fiber nests with side entrance. Not much is known about their breeding season and their reproductive and nesting habits.

Migration and movement patterns

The plumbeous euphonia species are non-migratory, resident birds. The populations in higher altitudes may descend to lower levels during winter.

Post breeding, the juveniles may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. Within their range they may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Plumbeous euphonia - Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Euphonia plumbea
  • Species author: Du Bus, 1855
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Euphonia plumbea du Bus de Gisignies, 1855
  • Family: Fringillidae › Passeriformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Plumbeous euphonia, Chinese: 铅灰歌雀, French: Organiste plombé, German: Grauorganist, Spanish: Eufonia plúmbea, Russian: Свинцовая эуфония, Japanese: ハイイロスミレフウキンチョウ
  • Other names: Plumbeous euphonia
  • Distribution: Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana
  • Diet and feeding habits: small fruits, berries
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)

Plumbeous euphonia - Conservation and survival

The global population size of the plumbeous euphonia has not been quantified. The overall population trend of the species is considered to be stable.

In most of its range, this species is reported to be uncommon (Stotz et al. 1996). The generation length is 3.5 years. Its distribution size is about 2,730,000 sq.km.

Ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion and capture of adults and juveniles for pet-trade are the main threats that may endanger the survival of the species.

IUCN and CITES status

The plumbeous euphonia (E. plumbea) species 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 species and has listed it as of "Least Concern (LC)".

The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the plumbeous euphonia.
Taxonomy and scientific classification of E. plumbea
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family:Fringillidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Euphonia
Species:E. plumbea
Binomial name:E. plumbea
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
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Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/ (cropped)
Image author: Hector Bottai | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 as on 1/17/19
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Lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)

   ›      ›   Lesser goldfinch - Spinus psaltria

The lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) belongs to the family of goldfinch and siskin, the Fringillidae.

The lesser goldfinch species are distributed in Southwestern North America, Central America and Northwestern South America. The goldfinch species is partially migratory. This goldfinch species is polytypic.

Key Facts Description
Pictures of Lesser Goldfinch Distribution
Ecosystem & Habitat Conservation

Lesser goldfinch - Description and identification

The lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) is a small finch, measuring 9 to 12 cm in length and weighing 8 to 12 grams.

The males of lesser goldfinch have bright yellow underparts and some white patches on the wings. The upperparts are bluish black. The throat and the sides of the neck are bright yellow. There is variation in coloration in the subspecies.

The bill is stout and grayish yellow. The legs and feet are grayish. The irises are dark. The eye ring is gray. The call is a harsh loud "chig.. chig.. chig" sound or a very high-pitched, drawn-out whistling sound.
Lesser goldfinch - Spinus psaltria pictures
1.Lesser goldfinch - Spinus psaltria
Image by Alejandro Bayer Tamayo


Lesser goldfinch images
2.Lesser goldfinch - Spinus psaltria
Image by Alejandro Bayer Tamayo

Spinus psaltria photos
3.Lesser goldfinch - Spinus psaltria
Image by Alejandro Bayer Tamayo

Lesser goldfinch - Spinus psaltria images
4.Lesser goldfinch - Spinus psaltria
Image by Alejandro Bayer Tamayo

Lesser goldfinch - Geographical range and distribution

These species are distributed in southwest North America, Central America and northwest South America.

In North America, the lesser goldfinch species are distributed in southwest Canada, western and southern USA, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

In northwestern South America, these species are distributed in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.

The lesser goldfinch nominate subspecies S. p. psaltria is distributed in west central USA to southern Mexico. The subspecies S. p. jouyi is distributed in southeast Mexico and north Belize. The subspecies S. p. witti occurs in Mary Islands (Mexico).

The subspecies S. p. hesperophilus is distributed in western coastal USA and western Mexico. The subspecies S. p. colombianus is distributed in south Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru.

Ecosystem and habitat

These goldfinch species do not normally occur in forests. They normally occur in altitudes between 0 to 3100 meters. The artificial ecosystems include plantations, rural gardens and urban areas.

The natural ecosystems and habitats of the goldfinch species include tropical and subtropical dry shrublands, high altitude shrublands and montane subtropical and temperate woodlands.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of the lesser goldfinch species consists mainly of seeds and fruits. Small larval and adult insects, small beetles and plant matter are their primary food. They are usually seen in flocks, feeding on the ground.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these goldfinch species is during summer in the temperate parts of their breeding range. In tropical regions, there is year round breeding.

The breeding ecosystem includes trees, bushes and shrubs. The nest is a cup made with grasses, rootlets, lichens and plant fibers. The clutch comprises three or four bluish white eggs.

Migration and movement patterns

The lesser goldfinch species are partially migratory as well as resident birds.

The populations in higher altitudes may descend to lower levels during winter. Breeding populations in central North America may move towards coastal regions during winter.

Post breeding, the juveniles may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. Within their range they may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Lesser goldfinch - Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Spinus psaltria
  • Species author: (Say, 1822)
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Fringilla psaltria Say, 1822
  • Family: Fringillidae › Passeriformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Lesser goldfinch, Chinese: 暗背金翅雀, French: Chardonneret mineur, German: Mexikozeisig, Spanish: Jilguero menor, Russian: Малый чиж, Japanese: ヒメキンヒワ
  • Other names: Lesser Goldfinch, Arkansas Goldfinch, Dark-backed Goldfinch
  • Distribution: Southwest North America, Central America, Northwest South America
  • Diet and feeding habits: seeds, fruits, insects
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)

Lesser goldfinch - Conservation and survival

The global population size of the lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) has not been quantified. The overall population trend of the species is considered to be declining.

In most of its range, this goldfinch species is reported to be common to uncommon. The generation length is 4.5 years. Its distribution size is about 13,700,000 sq.km.

Ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion and capture of adults and juveniles for pet-trade are the main threats that may endanger the survival of the species.

IUCN and CITES status

The lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) species 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 species and has listed it as of "Least Concern (LC)".

The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Spinus psaltria
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family:Fringillidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Spinus
Species:S. psaltria
Binomial name:Spinus psaltria
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
The five recognized subspecies of the lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) are:
Spinus psaltria psaltria (Say, 1822),
Spinus psaltria colombianus (Lafresnaye, 1843),
Spinus psaltria jouyi (Ridgway, 1898),
Spinus psaltria witti P. R. Grant, 1964 and
Spinus psaltria hesperophilus (Oberholser, 1903).
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1.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alejobayer/45130118224/ (cropped)
Image author: Alejandro Bayer Tamayo | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 1/16/19
2.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alejobayer/45130117824/ (cropped)
Image author: Alejandro Bayer Tamayo | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 1/16/19
3.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alejobayer/45130118214/ (cropped)
Image author: Alejandro Bayer Tamayo | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 1/16/19
4.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alejobayer/30915615607/ (cropped)
Image author: Alejandro Bayer Tamayo | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 1/16/19
Link to Creative Commons copyright licenses


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Black-chinned siskin (Spinus barbatus)

   ›      ›   Black-chinned siskin - Spinus barbatus

The black-chinned siskin (Spinus barbatus) belongs to the family of finches and siskins, the Fringillidae.

The black-chinned siskin species are distributed in Argentina, Chile and Falkland Islands in South America. The siskin species is widespread and common. This siskin species is monotypic.

Key Facts Description
Pictures of Black-chinned Siskin Distribution
Ecosystem & Habitat Conservation

Black-chinned siskin - Description and identification

The black-chinned siskin (Spinus barbatus) is a small finch, measuring 10 to 15 cm in length and weighing 10 to 20 grams.

These siskin species have greenish-yellow plumage. The males have a raised dark crown and dark central, upper throat. The upperparts have blackish streaks. The underparts are greenish-yellow. The females are duller and lack the dark crown.

The bill is small and grayish. The legs and feet are grayish. The irises are dark. The call is a song given from a prominent perch.
Black-chinned siskin - Spinus barbatus
1.Black-chinned siskin - Spinus barbatus
Image by Juan Tassara


Spinus barbatus image
2.Black-chinned siskin - Spinus barbatus
Image by Dick Culbert

Spinus barbatus image
3.Black-chinned siskin - Spinus barbatus
Image by Valentina Requesens

Black-chinned siskin - Geographical range and distribution

These species are distributed in southern Argentina, central and southern Chile and Falkland Islands in South America.

Ecosystem and habitat

The black-chinned siskin species have low forest dependence. They normally occur in altitudes between 0 to 1500 meters. The artificial ecosystems include heavily degraded forests, gardens and urban areas.

The natural ecosystems and habitats of the species include temperate forests, shrublands and grasslands, foothill forests, montane forests and grasslands, coniferous forests, broad-leaf forests and open lowlands.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of these species consists mainly of seeds. Small larval and adult insects, small beetles and plant matter are their primary food. They are usually seen in flocks, feeding on the ground.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these siskin species is from July to February in most of their breeding range. They may raise up to three broods.

The breeding ecosystem includes trees and shrubs in temperate regions. The nest is a cup made with grasses, rootlets, plant fibers and animal hair.

Migration and movement patterns

The black-chinned siskin species are non-migratory resident birds. The populations in higher altitudes may descend to lower levels during winter.

Post breeding, the juveniles may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. Within their range they may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Black-chinned siskin - Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Spinus barbatus
  • Species author: (Molina, 1782)
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Fringilla barbata Molina, 1782
  • Family: Fringillidae › Passeriformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Black-chinned siskin, Chinese: 黑颏金翅雀, French: Tarin à menton noir, German: Bartzeisig, Spanish: Jilguero golinegro, Russian: Бородатый чиж, Japanese: ヤッコヒワ
  • Other names: Black-chinned Siskin
  • Distribution: Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands
  • Diet and feeding habits: seeds, insects, larval insects
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)

Black-chinned siskin - Conservation and survival

The global population size of the black-chinned siskin (Spinus barbatus) has not been quantified. The overall population trend of the species is considered to be stable.

In most of its range, this siskin species is reported to be common (Stotz et al. 1996). The generation length is 4.2 years. Its distribution size is about 2,620,000 sq.km.

Ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion and capture of adults and juveniles for pet-trade are the main threats that may endanger the survival of the siskin species.

IUCN and CITES status

The black-chinned siskin (Spinus barbatus) species 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 species and has listed it as of "Least Concern (LC)".

The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the black-chinned siskin (Spinus barbatus).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Spinus barbatus
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family:Fringillidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Spinus
Species:S. barbatus
Binomial name:Spinus barbatus
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
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1.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barbatamportada.jpg (cropped)
Image author: Juan Tassara | Licence: Public domain as on 1/15/19
2.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black-chinned_Siskin_Spinus_barbatus,_central_Chile.jpg (cropped)
Image author: Dick Culbert | Licence: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/15/19
3.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vrequesens/11939550124/ (cropped)
Image author: Valentina Requesens | Licence: CC BY 2.0 1/15/19
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Black-and-white warbler images

   ›      ›   Black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) images
Taxonomic classification   < >   Images

The black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) belongs to the family Parulidae under the order Passeriformes.

Black-and-white warbler taxonomy

The Parulidae is the family of New World warblers.

The family Parulidae was first introduced by Frank Alexander Wetmore (June 18, 1886 – December 7, 1978), an American ornithologist and avian paleontologist, and his team in the year 1947.

The warbler family Parulidae comprises seventeen genera, including Mniotilta. The genus Mniotilta is monotypic and comprises one species, Mniotilta varia.

The genus Mniotilta was first described by Louis Pierre Vieillot (May 10, 1748 – August 24, 1830), a French ornithologist, in the year 1816.

The species Mniotilta varia was first described (as Motacilla varia) by Carl Linnaeus (23 May 1707 – 10 January 1778), a Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist, in the year 1766.

The species Mniotilta varia is monotypic; it is however known to hybridize with cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea), the Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) and the black-throated green warbler (Setophaga virens).

Taxonomic classification
Binomial name:Mniotilta varia
Species:M. varia
Genus:Mniotilta
Subfamily:-
Family:Parulidae
Order:Passeriformes
Class:Aves
Phylum:Chordata
Kingdom:Animalia
Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
1.Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
Image by William H. Majoros


Mniotilta varia
2.Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
Picture by Wolfgang Wander

Mniotilta varia
3.Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
Photos by William H. Majoros

Mniotilta varia
4.Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
Image by William H. Majoros

Mniotilta varia
5.Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
Image by William H. Majoros

Mniotilta varia
6.Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
Image by William H. Majoros

Mniotilta varia
7.Mniotilta varia
Image by TonyCastro

Mniotilta varia
8.Mniotilta varia
Image by Mike & Chris

Mniotilta varia
9.Mniotilta varia
Image by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
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1.Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Black-and-white-warbler-1.jpg (cropped)
Author: William H. Majoros | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 1/9/19
2.Source: http://www.pbase.com/wwcsig/image/50151128 (cropped)
Author: Wolfgang Wander | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 and GFDL 1.2 as on 1/9/19
3.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:8G7D2762.jpg (cropped)
Author: William H. Majoros | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 1/9/19
4.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:8G7D3001Z.jpg (cropped)
Author: William H. Majoros | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 1/9/19
5.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/ (cropped)
Author: William H. Majoros | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 1/9/19
6.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/ (cropped)
Author: William H. Majoros | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 1/9/19
7.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/ (cropped)
Author: TonyCastro | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 as on 1/9/19
8.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mniotilta_varia_3.jpg (cropped)
Author: Mike & Chris | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 1/9/19
9.Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildreturn/32838593514/ (cropped)
Author: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/9/19
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Recently updated and current topic in Bird World: Black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) images.

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Black-and-white warbler | American birds

   ›      ›   Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia

The black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) belongs to the family of New World warblers, the Parulidae.

The black-and-white warbler is distributed in North America, South America and the Caribbean Islands. These warbler species are fully migratory birds. These warblers are monotypic.

Overview & Quick Facts Description & Identification
Pictures of Black-and-white Warbler Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification Bird World

Appearance, physical description and identification

The black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) is a stocky, relatively short-tailed New World warbler, measuring 10 to 13 cm in length and weighing 9 to 15 grams.

These black-and-white warbler species have black and white striped plumage. The crown is dark with a central white streak. There is a bold white supercilium and a black lore extending beyond the eye.

The upperparts and the flanks are boldly striped black and white. The underparts have milder striping. The vent and undertail regions have dark bars. The females and juveniles have duller streaking.

The bill is long, pointed and grayish. The legs and feet are blackish gray. The irises are dark. There is a whitish eye-ring. The warbler call is a loud "chee.. chee.. chee.. chee" sound.
Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
1.Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
Picture by Wolfgang Wander


Mniotilta varia
2.Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
Photo by William H. Majoros

Mniotilta varia
3.Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia
Image by William H. Majoros

Origin, geographical range and distribution

The breeding populations of the black-and-white warbler species are distributed in southern, southwest and southeast Canada and central and eastern USA.

The wintering warbler populations occur in southern USA (Florida, southern Texas), central and southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and the Caribbean Islands.

Vagrant warblers occur in Faroe Islands (Denmark), Ireland and United Kingdom. Passage birds are found in central and south-central USA, southeast USA (Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina) and north Mexico.

Ecosystem and habitat

The black-and-white warbler species have moderate forest dependence. They normally occur in altitudes between 0 to 1000 meters.

The natural ecosystems and habitats of the warbler species include tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, boreal forests, tropical and subtropical moist montane forests, deciduous forests and dry shrublands.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of the black-and-white warbler species consists mainly of insects. Caterpillars, insects, moths, butterflies, beetles, ants, spiders, fruits and berries are their primary food.

These species are mostly arboreal. Foraging on tree trunks and inner branches, they glean insects from the foliage. During breeding and migration, larval insects and caterpillars are the preferred diet.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these black-and-white warbler species is from April to June in most of their breeding range. They are monogamous solitary breeders. They males are highly territorial and perform display flights.

The breeding ecosystem includes boreal forests and montane forests. They mostly nest on the ground, among the roots of trees and in crevices on tree stumps.

The female black-and-white warbler constructs the cup-shaped nest with grass, leaves and rootlets. The nest is lined with fine grass, feathers, moss and rootlets. The female incubates the eggs.

The clutch may contain four to five eggs. The male may feed the female during incubation. The chicks hatch out after 10 days and the parents take care of the hatchlings. The young birds fledge after 10 days.

Migration and movement patterns

The black-and-white warbler species are fully migratory birds. They breed in southern, southwest and southeast Canada and central and eastern USA. They migrate southwards for wintering during July and August.

These warblers winter in southern regions of North America, Northern parts of South America and the Caribbean Islands. The return migration to the breeding grounds occurs in early summer.

Black-and-white warbler - Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Mniotilta varia
  • Species author: (Linnaeus, 1766)
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Motacilla varia Linnaeus, 1766
  • Family: Parulidae › Passeriformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Black-and-white warbler, Chinese: 黑白森莺, French: Paruline noir et blanc, German: Kletterwaldsänger, Spanish: Reinita trepadora, Russian: Чёрно-белая древесница, Japanese: シロクロアメリカムシクイ
  • Other names: Black-and-white Warbler
  • Distribution:North America, South America, Caribbean Islands
  • Diet and feeding habits: insects, fruits, berries
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) has not been quantified. The overall population trend of the species is reported to be declining.

In most of its range, this warbler species is reported to be uncommon to common. The generation length is 4.6 years. Its distribution size is about 11,500,000 sq.km.

Ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, deforestation, adverse weather and climate change are the main threats that may endanger the survival of the warbler species.

IUCN and CITES status

The black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) species 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 species and has listed it as of "Least Concern (LC)".

The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Mniotilta varia
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family:Parulidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Mniotilta
Species:M. varia
Binomial name:Mniotilta varia
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
The black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) is known to hybridize with cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea), the Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) and the black-throated green warbler (Setophaga virens).
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1.Image source: http://www.pbase.com/wwcsig/image/50151128 (cropped)
Author: Wolfgang Wander | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 and GFDL 1.2 as on 1/9/19
2.Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Black-and-white-warbler-1.jpg (cropped)
Author: William H. Majoros | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 1/9/19
3.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:8G7D2762.jpg (cropped)
Author: William H. Majoros | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 1/9/19
Link to Creative Commons copyright licenses


Recently updated and current topic in Bird World: Black-and-white warbler - Mniotilta varia.

Contact State Tourism or travel agents for bird watching and wildlife tours.