The rufous-capped warbler is a New World warbler native from Mexico south to Guatemala, rarely occurring as far north as southeastern Arizona and south Texas. Birds in the southern part of the range are now split out as a separate species, as the chestnut-capped warbler.
Region
Mexico and northern Central America
Typical Environment
Most common from the Mexican lowlands and foothills through the highland slopes into Guatemala. It favors dense scrub, forest edges, second-growth thickets, coffee plantations, and riparian tangles. Birds occasionally wander or establish small populations in the southwestern United States, especially in southeastern Arizona and south Texas. Within its core range it is a year-round resident, using similar habitats across seasons.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A lively, ground-loving New World warbler that often flicks and cocks its tail as it moves through dense understory. It is native from Mexico south to Guatemala, with occasional occurrences in southeastern Arizona and south Texas. Southern populations formerly included in this taxon are now treated as a separate species, the Chestnut-capped Warbler.
Temperament
active and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and darting through brush
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, maintaining defended territories year-round. Nests are placed low, often domed and hidden in banks, tussocks, or dense vegetation. Both sexes participate in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, tinkling series of chips and trills, delivered from low perches in dense cover. Calls are sharp chips or tchik notes used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with bright yellow underparts and a contrasting rufous crown bordered by dark lateral crown stripes. A clean white supercilium and dark eye-line frame the face; throat whitish to pale yellow. Plumage is neat and smooth, with minimal streaking.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans from leaves and twigs, probes bark and leaf litter, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch prey. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, brushy edges, and secondary growth, typically within 1–3 meters of the ground. Frequently forages along streamside thickets and shaded plantation understory.
