Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus)

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A Field Guide to Warblers of North America (The Peterson Field Guide Series). by Kimball L. Garrett, Jon L. Dunn, Cindy House (Illustrator)

Warblers of Eastern North America

Color Photograph: J.A. Spendelow, U.S. Geological Survey

Recording by John R. Sauer, U.S. Geological Survey

Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus)

Identification: 4.5 inches from tip of bill to tip of tail.

Breeding Male: The Worm-eating warbler is a plain, olive-brown bird but is easily recognized by the dark and light stripes on the crown and over the eye.

Female: Similar to the male.

Fall Male and Female: Similar to the male.

Immature: Similar to the male.

Similar Species: The contrasting black and brown-white stripes on the head will easily identify this warbler.

Breeding Range (see map below): The Worm-eating Warbler is a rare species breeding in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern states of the United States. The northern limit of its range is in New York and its extends westward to eastern Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri. The species is apparently absent from Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Overwintering Range: American tropics.

Habitat: This warbler species is primarily found on dry hillsides dominated by oak and hickory.

Food: Insects.

Behavior: The song is similar to that of a Chipping Sparrow, but faster and rougher. The Worm-eating Warbler spends most of its time on the ground or near the ground searching in litter for insects

Reproduction: The nest is constructed of dead leaves lined with moss. The nest is placed on the ground. The clutch consists of 3 to 6 white eggs with black or brown spots. Incubation time is about 12 days and the young leave the nest about 10 days after hatching.

Notes: The Worm-eating Warbler is a very sparrow appearing and behaving bird. The "Worm-eating" name refers to the moth larvae taken as a common food item.