Golden-cheeked Warblers are small, attractive birds with golden-yellow cheeks (hence, their name), set against vivid black crowns, foreheads, throats, and backs. They also have a thick black line running across their eyes. Their wings are also black with two prominent white wing bars.Â
Females have streaky, olive-green backs, the same golden cheeks and eye line, and lighter black coloring on their throats. Their wings are gray but with two white wing bars.
- Setophaga chrysoparia
- Length: 4.75 – 5 inches ( 12 – 13 cm)
- Weight: 0.4 oz (11 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5 – 8 inches (19 – 20 cm)
Range
Golden-cheeked Warblers only breed in Texas before they migrate to southern Mexico and Central America.
Habitat And Diet
You can find the Golden-cheeked Warblers on rocky hillsides with oak-juniper woods and trees.
A Golden-cheeked Warbler’s diet is mostly insects, spiders, and caterpillars. They usually pluck them from trees and shrubs or catch them while flying.
Golden-cheeked Warblers’ Song:
Nests
Nests of Golden-cheeked Warblers are built on juniper, oak, and cedar trees. Materials used include juniper bark, rootlets, grasses, spiderwebs, and animal fur. Females lay three to four eggs which she incubates for about twelve days.
Fun Fact:
Golden-cheeked Warblers are entirely dependent on juniper bark to make their nests. They have been known to not make a nest if they don’t have juniper bark.
