The Saint Lucia warbler is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Parulidae, the New World warblers. This species is endemic to Saint Lucia. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Adelaide's warbler.
Region
Lesser Antilles
Typical Environment
Occurs across Saint Lucia from coastal scrub and dry secondary woodland to moist montane forest and forest edges. It readily uses plantations, gardens, and roadside vegetation, often near patches of native woodland. The species forages from understory to mid-canopy, frequently along edges and clearings. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats provided there is sufficient shrub and tree cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 950 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the island of Saint Lucia, this warbler was formerly treated as a subspecies of Adelaide's warbler before being recognized as a distinct species. It is an active foliage-gleaner that helps control insect populations in forests, plantations, and gardens. Individuals can be quite confiding, often foraging at eye level along trails. Its adaptability to altered habitats likely supports its stable status.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually forages singly or in pairs, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in forest and edge habitats. Pairs defend small territories during the breeding season. The nest is a small cup placed in shrubs or low trees, and both adults attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sweet, high-pitched series of thin trills and warbling phrases, delivered from mid-level perches. Calls include sharp chips used during foraging and contact within pairs.
Plumage
Gray to gray-olive upperparts with bright yellow throat and breast, fading to whitish on the belly; two crisp white wing bars and white outer tail spots. Subtle pale supercilium and a broken white eye ring with dusky lores. Fine, pointed bill typical of New World warblers; plumage appears clean and sharply contrasted.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles, occasionally hover-gleaning to pick items from foliage. It may sally short distances to catch flying insects and sometimes probes bromeliads and epiphytes.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and gardens with ample shrubs and small trees. Frequently uses mid-story and understory foliage, especially near light gaps and along trails.
