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Male
Location: Point Loma, CA
Date: 2003-04-20
Lens: Canon 400mm F5.6

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Hermit Warbler Dendroica occidentalis


Description

This small migrant is often difficult to observe since it prefers tall coniferous trees. Expansion of this birds range is thought to be due to competition with the Townsend's Warbler.



Appearance

General: 4.25 to 5 inches in length.

Male: Yellow face and forehead. Grayish nape and upperparts. Black throat. Back part of crown is black. Whitish underparts. Slight streaking on back. Two white wingbars. Black legs. Thin, black, pointed bill. Female: Similar to male, except cheeks are slightly darker and throat will only show a weak smudge of black or none at all.



Habitat

Coniferous forests. Especially fir and spruce.



Nesting

3-5 cream-white eggs with light brown markings and a 12 day incubation period. It takes 8-10 days for the young to fledge. The nest is a shallow, open cup made from bark, rootlets, and pine needles. Usually built in a tree 20-40 feet above the ground.






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