- Vermivora luciae
Identification
4.25 inches. The smallest wood warbler. Pale gray upperparts, rust-brown crown and rump, and white underparts. Eye ring is white. Wings are plain gray. Female is smaller and lacks brown cap.
Distribution
Southwestern United States from southeastern California, southern Nevada and Utah; most of Arizona; and southwestern New Mexico and Texas; and northwestern Mexico. Vagrant to coastal California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas, and Louisiana. Winters in western Mexico.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Habitat
Shrubby and canyon areas in deserts and foothills
Behaviour
Nests in woodpecker holes, abandoned Verdin nests, and sometimes in other types of holes. Occasional cowbird host. Diet includes caterpillars, beetles, and leafhoppers.
