Townsend's Warbler is a small songbird, measuring abut 4.5 inches to five inches in length (110–130 mm); weighing 8.8 grams (0.31 ounce). (About the size of a sparrow.)
Townsend's Warblers make their homes in a coniferous forest. spend most of their time in the upper third of the forest canopy. That can make spotting them without binoculars a challenge. (Watch for darting patches of bright yellow!)
Most Townsend's Warblers go south to Mexico or Central America for the winter.
While Townsend's Warblers primarily eat insects like caterpillars and beetles, they have a unique winter habit. In Mexico, they defend territories around trees infested with scale insects to feed on so-called "honeydew," the sugary, liquid waste excreted by the insects.
Townsend’s Warblers are notably aggressive. In hybrid zones, they are slowly expanding their range by outcompeting and displacing the Hermit Warbler.
Photo by Don Blohowiak
Photo by Don Blohowiak