The pink-headed warbler is a small passerine bird found in the southwestern highlands of Guatemala and the central and southeastern highlands of the Mexican state of Chiapas. The adult is primarily red, with a silvery-pink head and chest. It is a fairly common to common resident of humid to semi-humid pine-oak, pine-evergreen and evergreen forest and edge, at altitudes ranging from 1,800–3,500 m (5,900–11,500 ft) above sea level.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the southwestern highlands of Guatemala and the central to southeastern highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. Favors humid to semi-humid pine–oak, pine–evergreen, and evergreen (cloud) forest, including edges and semi-open forest with dense understory. Often keeps to mossy, epiphyte-laden branches and shaded ravines. It tolerates some disturbance but declines where mature forest is extensively removed.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking warbler is confined to the highland pine–oak and cloud forests of Guatemala and adjacent Chiapas, Mexico. It often builds a domed, mossy nest on banks or among roots close to the ground. The species is sensitive to forest degradation and is a good indicator of intact montane habitat. Outside the breeding season it may join mixed-species foraging flocks.
Illustration by Joseph Wolf (1863)
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks outside breeding. Builds a dome-shaped nest of moss and fibers on banks or among roots near the ground; both sexes attend young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a high, thin, tinkling series of trills and sweet warbles that carry surprisingly well in forest. Calls are soft, high tsip notes used to keep contact while foraging.
