The Hooded Warbler male has a black hood
that completely encircles the yellow face and forehead. The female does not
have this black hood. The body of both sexes is yellow with an olive colored
back. There are also white tail spots on both sexes. The male and female are
approximately 10-11 grams in weight and around 14cm in length.
photo Ivan Andrijevic
Habitat/Diet
The Hooded Warbler can be found in
woodland undergrowth, wooded swamps, and forests. The Hooded Warbler
primarily feeds on small insects by catching them in flight or picking them
off of the forest floor.
Behavior/Reproduction
The Hooded Warbler is not a very
aggressive species but will hold territories during the breeding season.
They are migratory and will migrate nocturnally to Mexico and Central
America. While wintering, the males and females will live in different
habitats. The males inhabit the forests and the females in shrubbery.
photo Ivan Andrijevic
The average clutch size is 4 eggs with one
brood per year. The Hooded Warbler is monogamous and both males and females
will sing to attract a mate. The females build a nest out of bark and plant
material in a low lying area. Females incubate and the males will aid in
feeding of the young.
Where to see them in WNY
A great place to see Hooded Warblers is on the Kanyoo trail
at Iroquois NWR. Look near the forest floor and in the under story for these
beautiful warblers.