Page created on : May 4, 2003
Last updated : March 28, 2004

The Canada warbler is a delicate bird, averaging only 13 cm in length. In full plumage, males and females look much alike, though the female's colouration tends to be duller and its necklace scarcely visible. The warbler winters in Central and South America, from Panama to Peru. During the breeding season it can be found across Canada, from northeastern BC to Nova Scotia. This bird favours cool, moist nesting areas such as rocky ravines that are rich in shrubby undergrowth. Nests are usually located on or near the ground and are home to an average clutch of four white-coloured eggs. Both the male and the female share parenting responsibilities for the first few weeks. Among other duties, they introduce their young to the warblers' diet of spiders, insect larvae, caterpillars, grubs and moths. A skilled flyer, the Canada warbler captures much of its insect prey on the wing, justifying its former name, the Canada flycatcher.