Rufous-capped warbler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rufous-capped warbler |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Basileuterus
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| Species: |
rufifrons
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| Range of B. rufifrons Year-round range | |
The rufous-capped warbler (scientific name: Basileuterus rufifrons) is a small, colorful bird. It belongs to a group called New World warblers. These birds live in North and Central America. You can find rufous-capped warblers from Mexico down to Guatemala. Sometimes, they are seen in southeastern Arizona and southern Texas. Some birds that look similar in the southern part of their range are now known as a different species, called the chestnut-capped warbler.
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What Does a Rufous-Capped Warbler Look Like?
Rufous-capped warblers are about 12.7 centimeters (5 inches) long. They have a plain olive or olive-gray body. Their bellies are white, and their chests and throats are bright yellow.
Unique Face Markings
This bird has a very special face pattern. It has a reddish-brown cap on its head. A white line goes above its eye, like an eyebrow. A dark line runs through its eye, blending into a reddish-brown patch on its cheek. There is also a white mark near its mouth.
Body Shape and Movement
The rufous-capped warbler has a strong bill, which is its beak. Its wings are round and short. Its tail is long and often held high. The bird frequently flicks its tail up and down.
Where Do Rufous-Capped Warblers Live?
These warblers usually live in tropical highlands. These are high areas with lots of shrubs and small trees. In North America, you might find them in oak woodlands. They prefer canyon bottoms near running water. They like to stay hidden low in thick plants.
What Sounds Do They Make?
The rufous-capped warbler has a unique song. It's a fast series of chipping notes. It sounds like "chit-chit-chit-chitchitchit." This song gets faster as it goes along. It might remind you a little of the rufous-crowned sparrow.
Call Notes
Their call note is a sharp "chik" or "tsik." They often repeat this sound. Even though they are called "warblers," this species does not actually warble. Warbling means singing a long, flowing song with many different notes.
Male Bird Songs
Male rufous-capped warblers have complex songs. They use many different types of sounds. They share some of these sounds with other males. Their songs can change depending on the season, time of day, or even from year to year.
What Do Rufous-Capped Warblers Eat?
Rufous-capped warblers mainly eat insects and spiders. They search for food by moving through thick bushes. They look closely at the ground for anything moving. They are not known to catch insects while flying from a perch.
