From Opus

Male. Photo by Gary Clark.
Location: Jemez Mountains, New Mexico, USA

Vermivora virginiae

[edit] Identification

Small - 12cm (4.75") overall gray warbler with weak yellow crissum and upper chest. Distinctive bold white eye-ring. Males have small orange crown, often difficult to see.

[edit] Similar species

The closely related Nashville Warbler is the same size and general appearance, but there is no range overlap, and it has much brighter and extensive yellow plumage and a green back.

[edit] Distribution

In summer, can be found in Nevada, southern Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Migrates south in winter.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.

[edit] Habitat

Dry brush and scrub woodlands of pine and oak, rocky canyons.

[edit] Behaviour

They build their cup shaped nests from moss, grass, strips of bark, and roots, on the ground, hidden amongst dead leaves and tufts of grass at the base of a shrub or young tree. 3 to 5 white, dotted with fine brown speckles, eggs are laid. Both parents care for the young.

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