Wood-Warblers

Blue-winged Warbler, Vermivora pinus

Family Parulidae (Wood-Warblers)

Size: 4.75"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Open brushy woodlands, woodland edges

The blue-winged warbler is a bright, summer breeder in New England, commonly found in second-growth woodlands, similar in shape and size to the golden-winged warbler, with which it often hybridizes. The body and head are bright yellow with an olive-green nape and back, bluish-gray wings and tail, and white undertail coverts. There are distinct, white wing bars and white patches on the outer tail feathers. The relatively long, pointed bill is black, merging with a crisp, black eye stripe. Females are similar but with a lighter eye stripe and olive green on the crown. They forage in the middle canopy or brush, mainly for insects, sometimes hovering or clinging upside down to small branches. The voice is a drawn-out, harsh, raspy zeee followed by a lower rattling note. The adult male is illustrated.