Wilsonia
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 Canada Warbler
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W. citrina |
Wilsonia is a small genus of New World warblers which breed in North America. They are migratory, wintering south of their breeding ranges in Central America, the West Indies or South America.
The three species are:
- Hooded Warbler, Wilsonia citrina
- Wilson's Warbler, Wilsonia pusilla
- Canada Warbler, Wilsonia canadensis
Wilsonia warblers are 12-13 cm long. They have yellow underparts and black head markings in at least the adult male plumage. Two species have plain olive green-brown back, but the Canada Warbler has grey upperparts and is also migrates much further than the other species in the genus.
The breeding habitat is broadleaved woodlands with dense undergrowth. These birds nest low in a bush or on the ground, laying 3-6 eggs in a cup nest.
Wilsonia warblers feed on insects, often caught by flycatching, and they have distinctive songs and loud chip calls.
The genus Cardellina (Red-faced Warbler) is included in Wilsonia by some authors [citation needed].
This genus was named to commemorate the American ornithologist Alexander Wilson.
[edit] References
- Curson, J., Quinn, D. & Beadle, D. (1994). New World Warblers. Helm. ISBN 0-7136-3932-6
