From Opus

Photo by kegressy.
Photo taken: Point Pelee National Park, Ontario.

Dendroica kirtlandii

Identification

4.75 inches Thin, pointed bill, broken eye ring, grey nape and upperparts, yellow throat, breast and belly, white undertail coverts, streaked sides and flanks, dull white wing bars, dark legs

Distribution

Nests primarily in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. In 2007 the species was found nesting in nearby areas of Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada. Migrates across the southeastern United States to its wintering grounds in the Bahamas. Accidental in north, west, and east of breeding range.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.

Habitat

Jack pine forests.

Behaviour

Its nests generally are concealed in mixed vegetation of grasses and shrubs, lined with moss and built by the female. 4-5 cream eggs are laid, and are incubated for 13-16 days.

The diet of the warbler includes many different insect species at various developmental stages, including caterpillars, butterflies, moths, flies, grasshoppers, as well as ripe blueberries.

External Links

• BirdLife International: Conservationists "thrilled" as Kirtland's Warbler returns to Canada