Species

Cape May warbler

Setophaga tigrina

A tiger-striped warbler with chestnut cheeks that sips nectar and juice on its way through Georgia.

At a glance

Key marks: Males with chestnut cheeks and heavy black streaks on a yellow breast; yellow neck patch
Told apart from: Yellow-rumped warbler, which has a yellow rump and no chestnut
Where to look: Conifers and flowering trees in spring and autumn

Cape May warblers have a semi-tubular tongue, unique among warblers, that lets them drink nectar and fruit juice.

Cape May warblers increase during spruce budworm outbreaks in Canada. Their numbers rise and fall with this forest pest.

Nest — A cup high in a spruce
Eggs — Usually six to seven
Incubation — About 11 to 13 days
Chicks — Fed by both parents
Lifespan — Several years

When this species is breeding, and when there are nests on the ground. Mowing during the shaded months is how most nests are found.

Recorded in 54 states and provinces. Each one links to the other animals there, and to the rehabilitators licensed for them.

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