Bay-breasted warbler

The Bay-breasted Warbler is a captivating small songbird belonging to the New World warbler family, Parulidae, and is classified under the Setophaga genus. These birds inhabit the boreal forests of Canada and the northern United States during the breeding season. When winter arrives, they migrate to warmer regions in South and Central America.

Their diet varies with the seasons: they primarily feed on insects during the breeding season and switch to fruits when they are in the tropics. Their nests are often snugly situated in spruce or fir trees, typically containing between 4 to 7 eggs.

Male Bay-breasted Warblers are distinctive with their grayish feathers and prominent chestnut-colored patches. In contrast, the females are paler. Occasionally, these warblers may be mistaken for Chestnut-sided Warblers or Blackpoll Warblers due to their similar appearances.

Regrettably, the Bay-breasted Warbler is experiencing population declines. Factors such as the reduction of insect prey and the effects of climate change are contributing to this concerning trend.

A fascinating fact: the genus name Setophaga means "moth-eating" in Greek, and their specific name, castanea, refers to their chestnut coloring.