The worm-eating warbler is a small New World warbler that breeds in the Eastern United States and migrates to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America for the winter.
Region
Eastern United States, Caribbean, and Central America
Typical Environment
Breeds in mature deciduous and mixed forests of the eastern United States, favoring steep slopes, ravines, and areas with dense leaf litter and understory. In winter it migrates to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, using tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, and shaded plantations. It often selects sites with abundant dead leaves, where it specializes in foraging. During migration it can occur in a variety of wooded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, the worm-eating warbler feeds mostly on caterpillars and other insects, often gleaned from clusters of dead leaves. It is a secretive forest bird that nests on the ground, typically on steep, wooded slopes. Its buzzy, insect-like song can be hard to locate, adding to its reputation as a skulker.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, direct flights through the understory
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season; pairs nest on the ground, well concealed in leaf litter on steep slopes. Monogamous with both parents participating in care. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks in winter but remains unobtrusive.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A dry, buzzy trill reminiscent of an insect, delivered from low perches or concealed spots. Calls include sharp chips given when alarmed or for contact.
Plumage
Plain olive-brown upperparts with warm buff underparts and a clean, unmarked belly; head shows bold striping with dark lateral crown stripes and buff central and superciliary stripes.
Diet
Primarily caterpillars taken from clusters of dead leaves; also consumes spiders, beetles, and other small arthropods. It probes and flips curled leaves to extract hidden prey. Earthworms are rarely taken, despite the name.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded forest understory and midstory, especially where dead leaves are abundant. In winter, also uses forest edges and shaded agroforestry like shade-grown coffee.
