Chestnut-sided Warbler
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Common Name: Chestnut-sided Warbler
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Parulidae
Genus:
Dendroica
Species:
Dendroica
pensylcanica
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photo Steven Pitt |
Taxonomy/Description
An adult Chestnut-sided Warbler has a
yellow crown with a chestnut colored side. They have a narrow white eye-ring
and two pale yellow ring bars. The female does not have as distinct or vivid
chestnut side. They are 11-14cm and weigh 8-10 grams.
Habitat/Diet
Chestnut-sided Warblers can be found in
second growth deciduous forests and in bushy pastures. This warbler feeds
primarily on insects and eats potentially harmful insects, helping farmers.
The warblers will eat some fruit. This warbler forages primarily alone.
Behavior/Reproduction
The Chestnut-sided Warbler is highly
territorial during the breeding season. It is a nocturnal migrant and may
join up with other flocks and forage with them. It can be found hopping on
the ground and through foliage.
The Chestnut-sided Warbler is monogamous
and pairs raise at least one brood per year with some birds renesting. The
average clutch size is four eggs with the female incubating. Females build
the nest entirely by themselves. The Chestnut-sided Warbler female builds a
cup nest out of grass, bark, and plant stems.
Where to see
them in WNY
A great place to catch a glimpse of these
birds is at Iroquois NWR along the Feeder Road. Look for bushy patches and
deciduous forest areas.