The Worm-Eating Warbler(Helmitheros vermivorum) haunts the forest interior, where its mechanical-sounding trills can be heard along steep, leaf-carpeted hillsides. A quick glimpse of the singer reveals a rather plain-looking olive, brown, and buff warbler with a boldly striped head. This head pattern distinguishes it from other brown forest warblers such as the Swainson’s Warbler(Limnothlypis swainsonii), which has a brown crown, occasionally tinged with rufous instead.
The Worm-Eating Warbler is the only member of its genus, Helmitheros, and is not closely related to any other warbler species. Both its genus and species name refer to eating worms, and give this bird its common name. But there’s a catch – the Worm-Eating Warbler doesn’t actually eat earthworms, a food item more associated with an American Robin(Turdus migratorius) or American Woodcock(Scolopax minor). How did this warbler end up with its name?
Read on to find out more: htts://abcbirds.org/bird/worm-eating-warbler
American Bird Conservancy stands up for birds across the Americas. We halt bird extinctions, conserve vital habitats, eliminate key threats, and build the capacity of our partners.
American Bird Conservancy
American Bird Conservancy stands up for birds across the Americas. We halt bird extinctions, conserve vital habitats, eliminate key threats, and build the capacity of our partners.
American Bird Conservancy
