Swainson's warbler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swainson's warbler |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Limnothlypis
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| Species: |
swainsonii
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| Range of L. swainsonii Breeding range Winter range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Helinaia swainsoni |
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The Swainson's warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) is a small bird. It is a type of New World warbler. This bird is special because it's the only species in its group, called Limnothlypis. It got its name from William Swainson. He was an English scientist who studied birds.
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What Does a Swainson's Warbler Look Like?
Swainson's warblers are small songbirds. They are quite plain-looking. But they are fairly large for a New World warbler. Adult birds grow to be about 12.5 to 16 centimeters (5 to 6 inches) long. They weigh between 11 and 20.5 grams (0.4 to 0.7 ounces). Their wings can spread about 23 centimeters (9 inches) wide.
These birds are olive-brown on their backs. Their bellies are a pale yellow-white color. They have a light stripe above their eye. The top of their head is a rusty brown. Unlike many other warblers, male and female Swainson's warblers look the same.
Where Do Swainson's Warblers Live?
Swainson's warblers are not very common. You can mostly find them in flooded swamps. They also live in areas with tall reeds called canebrakes. These places are usually in the south-eastern United States. Sometimes, they live in thickets of rhododendron plants. These are found in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Migration Patterns
These birds are migratory. This means they travel long distances. Part of the population flies southeast. They go to islands like Jamaica for the winter. Another part flies southwest. They spend winter in the Yucatán Peninsula area.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Swainson's warblers start to breed when they are about 10 months old. A male and female bird will form a pair. They find a place to build a nest. Then they defend this area from other birds.
Nesting Habits
Their nests are quite big and sturdy. They build them using moss, grass, and small leaves. Nests are usually placed above the ground. They are often hidden in thick reeds or vines.
The female bird lays three to five eggs. The eggs are white. Sometimes they have small brown spots. The female bird sits on the eggs to keep them warm. This is called incubation. It lasts for about 14 days. After that, the eggs hatch. The young birds leave the nest about 12 days later.
It is not known how long pairs stay together. But once a pair forms, they usually do not mate with other birds. This is true for at least that nesting season. These birds can live to be as old as eight years.
See also
In Spanish: Chipe coronicafé para niños
