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Photo: © Matthew Grube eBird S63950982 Macaulay Library ML 208316931
white-lored-warbler

White-lored Warbler

Myiothlypis conspicillata
Arañero Embridado
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Song

White-lored Warbler

Appearance: The White-lored Warbler is a small endemic bird with a compact body and a short tail. It has an olive-green upperparts and yellow underparts. The most notable feature is its white lore, the area between the eye and the bill, which gives the bird its name. It also has a black stripe through the eye and a yellow crown stripe.
Habitat: This species is found in humid montane forests. It thrives in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and is often seen in the understory or mid-levels of the forest. It is found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 m above sea level.
Behavior: The White-lored Warbler feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. It forages actively among foliage, often seen hopping and flitting through branches. It has a distinctive song, which consists of a series of clear, melodious notes.
Breeding: The breeding habits of the White-lored Warbler are not extensively documented, but like many warblers, it likely builds a cup-shaped nest. Details about its clutch size and breeding season in Colombia are not well-documented, but warblers lay small clutches of eggs.
Conservation Status: The White-lored Warbler is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Distribution

The White-lored Warbler is endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountain range in northern Colombia. This range is notable for its high level of biodiversity and endemism. Within its limited range, it is considered fairly common in fit habitats.

Taxonomy

The White-lored Warbler (Myiothlypis conspicillata)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Parulidae
  • Genus: Myiothlypis 
  • Species: Myiothlypis conspicillata

Vocalization

The White-lored Warbler is a small bird species known for its vocalizations, which play a crucial role in its behavior and ecology.
Vocalizations

Song: The song of the White-lored Warbler is a series of high-pitched, clear notes. It is often described as a melodious and repetitive sequence that can vary slightly between individuals. The song is used primarily by males.
Calls: Besides their songs, White-lored Warblers also produce various calls. These calls are simpler and are used for communication between individuals, such as contact calls between mates or alarm calls to signal danger.
Purpose

Territorial Defense: The primary function of the White-lored Warbler's song is to establish and defend territory. Males sing to assert their presence and deter other males from encroaching on their territory.

Mate Attraction: Singing also plays a critical role in attracting mates. A male's song can indicate his health and vitality, making him more attractive to potential mates.
Communication: Calls are used for day-to-day communication between individuals. They help maintain contact between mates or within family groups, especially in dense forest habitats where visual contact can be challenging.

Alarm: Alarm calls are used to warn other birds of potential predators. These calls are often sharp and can prompt a quick response from other birds in the vicinity.
The vocalizations of the White-lored Warbler are essential for its survival and reproductive success, facilitating communication, territory maintenance, and mate selection.