From Opus

Photo by Lisa W
Location: Hereford, Arizona, USA

Photo by: Gary Clark
Location: Mesquite Springs, Death Valley, California, USA

Vermivora luciae

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.

[edit] Habitat

Shrubby and canyon areas in deserts and foothills

[edit] Behaviour

Nests in woodpecker holes, abandoned Verdin nests, and sometimes in other types of holes. Occasional cowbird host. Diet includes caterpillars, beetles, and leafhoppers.

[edit] External Links