Red Warbler
Cardellina rubra
The Red Warbler (Cardellina rubra) is a rare new world warbler found in 2 countries, weighing about 8 g. The red warbler is a small passerine bird of the New World warbler family Parulidae endemic to the highlands of Mexico, north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
About the Red Warbler
The red warbler is a small passerine bird of the New World warbler family Parulidae endemic to the highlands of Mexico, north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. It is closely related to, and forms a superspecies with, the pink-headed warbler of southern Mexico and Guatemala. There are three subspecies, found in disjunct populations, which differ in the color of their ear patch and in the brightness and tone of their body plumage. The adult is bright red, with a white or gray ear patch, depending on the subspecies; young birds are pinkish-brown, with a whitish ear patch and two pale wingbars.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The red warbler is a small passerine, measuring 12.5–13.5 cm (4.9–5.3 in) in length, and weighing from 7.6 to 8.7 g (0.27 to 0.31 oz). As an adult, it is red overall, with either a white or dark gray (depending on the subspecies) auricular patch on each side of its head. Its wings and tail are slightly darker, dusky red, and edged in pinkish-red. Its legs are a dull red-brown, and its thin bill is pinkish-gray with a dark tip. The iris is dark brown to blackish. Plumage varies little between the sexes, although the female tends to be a little duller or more orange-tinged. Voice: The red warbler has several common calls, including a high, thin tsii and a stronger pseet. Its song is a mix of short trills and richer warbles, interspersed with high-pitched chips. Unlike other species in the same habitat zone, it tends to sing only during bright morning hours during the breeding season.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Red Warbler?
- The red warbler is a small passerine, measuring 12.5–13.5 cm (4.9–5.3 in) in length, and weighing from 7.6 to 8.7 g (0.27 to 0.31 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Red Warbler?
- The Red Warbler is a tiny sized bird weighing about 8 g.
- Where can you see a Red Warbler?
- The Red Warbler occurs in 2 countries, including Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Red Warbler?
- The Red Warbler is most easily confused with the Pink-headed Warbler, the Red-faced Warbler and the Canada Warbler.
- Is the Red Warbler endangered?
- The Red Warbler is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Red Warbler for real
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