Wood-Warblers

Worm-eating Warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum

Family Parulidae (Wood-Warblers)

Size: 5.25"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Dense growth in woodlands, often near streams

The worm-eating warbler is a plain-looking, relatively large warbler with a short, stubby tail and a thick, long bill. The sexes are similar in plumage, which is olive brown above and pale buff below, with no apparent wing bars or tail spots. The only obvious markings are on the head, which has two thin, black crown stripes and thin, black eye lines. The legs are pale pinkish or flesh-colored. Worm-eating warblers forage on or close to the ground for insects and caterpillars, not necessarily just worms, as the common name would imply. Their song is a rapid trill of dry, toneless, buzzy notes. The adult is illustrated.