Size:                       

Length: 4.5-5.5 in     Weight: .33-4 oz         Wingspan: 8-9 in
 

ID:       

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                                    

Habitat:

Deciduous or mixed forests

Diet:

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

Family Behavior:

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   

Social Activities:

Early spring arrival; solitary or in pairs

Range:

Breeding: Southern Canada and eastern US to gulf states
Winter: Southern US coast and south to northern part of South America

Vocalization:           

Song resembles turning, squeaky wheel wee-sea, wee-sea; call is abrasive tink and high seap