The yellow-headed warbler is one of two species of bird in the Cuban warbler family Teretistridae. It is endemic to western Cuba.
Region
Caribbean (western Cuba)
Typical Environment
Occurs from lowlands to foothills in western Cuba, including Pinar del Río and Isla de la Juventud. It occupies dry to semi-humid forests, pine woodlands, coastal scrub, and second-growth thickets. The species favors dense understory and vine tangles, edges of forests, and brushy clearings. It also uses mangrove margins and disturbed habitats where sufficient cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-headed warbler is one of just two members of the Cuban warbler family (Teretistridae), a unique Caribbean lineage. It forages actively in dense vegetation, often in pairs or small family groups, and is a year-round resident in western Cuba. Its bright yellow head contrasts with otherwise subdued plumage, making it relatively easy to identify. Despite its restricted range, it remains fairly common in suitable habitat.
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between cover
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family parties, maintaining contact calls while moving through dense vegetation. It is territorial during the breeding season and cooperatively defends suitable foraging areas. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in shrubs or small trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes and short trills, delivered from concealed perches. Calls are sharp chips and buzzy contact notes used to keep pairs in touch within thick cover.
Plumage
Bright yellow head and throat with gray to olive-gray upperparts and clean whitish underparts, sometimes with a faint yellow wash on the breast and flanks. Wings and tail are plain without prominent bars. Plumage appears smooth and close-fitting, aiding its active, foliage-gleaning lifestyle.
Diet
Primarily gleans small arthropods such as insects and spiders from leaves, twigs, and bark. It methodically probes dead leaf clusters and vine tangles where prey accumulates. Occasionally takes small berries or other soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense shrubs, vine tangles, and lower to mid-canopy foliage in forest edges and thickets. Often forages along paths, clearings, and degraded forest with ample understory cover.
