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Black and White Warbler - (Mniotilta
varia)
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Much as I love the loyal birds in my
backyard, this summer I was really hoping and searching
for a new type of bird to enjoy. On August 3rd I got my
wish.
Hopping our from under a dogwood bush near our little
pond was a striking black and white bird. Even though I
had never seen one like it, I had a strong feeling it
might be a warbler. I must have actually noticed this
bird in passing by the warbler section in my bird books.
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The little bird did turn out to be
a warbler- our very first. Although this black and
white female didn't stay long, I happily took a few
photos of our little visitor.
Birds that are not attracted to feeder food can be
encouraged to visit a backyard by providing the means
for the natural diet they need. With native flowers,
shrubs and trees to draw insects and supply seeds, fruit
and berries , these birds will gather their own food.
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Size:
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Length:4.5-5.5 in
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Weight: .33-4 oz |
Wingspan: 8-9 in |
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ID:
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Male: Resembles a zebra with black and white
stripes on head and most of body; black chin,
cheek patch and throat (chin turns white in
winter); wide, white stripe over and under each
eye; white belly; two white wing bars; slim,
slightly curved, dark bill; black
anisodactylous (three toes point forward and one
toe points backward)
Female:Paler cheeks; lighter streaks on belly;
buffy flanks
Juvenile: Similar to female but has brighter
buffy wash on underside
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Habitat:
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Deciduous or mixed forests
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Diet:
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Insects, spiders and invertebrates; only
warbler that travels head first down tree
trunks, which along a long bill allows access to
insects under bark of tree trunks and branches
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Family Behavior:
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Mating Habits: Monogamous and solitary;
aggressively defends territory by attacking
other bird species; 1-2 broods per year
Local Breeding Period: Mid-April to early May
Nests: Cup-shaped; female builds; grasses,
bark, dead vegetation and lined with moss and
mammal hair; located on ground near base of
tree, bush, hollow log or stump; hidden by dead
leaves; female draws predators away with
distraction dance
Eggs:4-5 creamy white with brown markings;
female incubates 10-12 days
Nestlings: Born altricial (helpless, naked, eyes
closed) and stay in nest 8-12 days; fed by both
parents
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Social Activities:
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Early spring arrival; solitary or in pairs
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Range:
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Breeding: Southern Canada and eastern US to
gulf states
Winter: Southern US coast and south to northern
part of South America
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Vocalization:
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Song resembles turning, squeaky wheel
wee-sea, wee-sea; call is abrasive tink and high
seap
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| Lifespan: |
Up to 11 years |
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