The hermit warbler is a small perching bird. It is a species of New World warbler or wood-warbler. They are a migratory bird, the breeding range spanning the majority of the west coast of the United States. Their winter range includes parts of Mexico and Central America as well as parts of the southern California coast.
Region
Pacific Coast of North America
Typical Environment
Breeds in coniferous forests from Washington and Oregon through much of California, especially in coastal ranges, the Cascades, and the Sierra Nevada. Prefers mature Douglas-fir, hemlock, pine, and mixed conifer stands with a well-developed canopy. In winter it migrates to western and southern Mexico and into parts of northern Central America, with a few individuals wintering along the southern California coast. During migration it can occur in a wider range of wooded habitats, including mixed pine-oak and cloud forests in the tropics.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hermit warblers are canopy specialists that forage high in mature conifer forests, gleaning insects from needles and twigs. Their range overlaps with Townsend’s Warbler, and the two hybridize where they meet, a dynamic watched closely by ornithologists. They are sensitive to the loss and fragmentation of old-growth conifers, but currently remain widespread. In winter they join mixed-species flocks in Mexico and Central America.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
During breeding, males defend territories and sing from high perches in the canopy. Nests are cup-shaped and placed high in conifers; the female builds the nest and incubates, while the male helps feed nestlings. In migration and winter, they often join mixed-species flocks with other warblers, tanagers, and kinglets.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A high, thin, and slightly buzzy series that often accelerates or rises at the end; phrases can sound sibilant and delicate. Calls include a sharp tsip used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Clean yellow head with contrasting gray to olive-gray back, white underparts, and two bold white wing bars; males show a black throat patch, females are duller with little to no black on the throat. Flanks may show fine gray streaking and the tail has white corners.
Diet
Primarily small insects and spiders gleaned from needles, cones, and twigs high in the canopy. They sally short distances to catch flying insects and may hover to pick prey from foliage. In winter they occasionally take small berries and may sip from sapsucker wells.
Preferred Environment
Forages near the tops of mature conifers, especially Douglas-fir, pine, and hemlock. In winter, uses pine-oak, mixed montane forests, and cloud forests, often along edges and in mixed flocks.
