Golden-winged Warbler and Cape May Warbler

A strikingly patterned warbler of leafy second growth and swamp edges. Once common in the northeast, the Golden-winged Warbler has been declining recently in southern parts of its breeding range. As it disappears, its close relative the Blue-winged Warbler has been advancing north. The Blue-winged Warbler may be driving the Golden-winged Warbler out of its most suitable habitats, but the situation is not well understood. The two species interbreed, creating distinctive hybrid types known as 'Brewster's' Warbler and 'Lawrence's' Warbler.

Many of North Americas migratory warblers seem to lead double lives, and the Cape May Warbler is a good example. It summers in northern spruce woods, but winters in the Caribbean, where it is often seen in palm trees. In summer it eats insects, but during migration and winter it varies its diet with nectar from flowers and with juice that it obtains by piercing fruit. Birders may find the tiger-striped males in spring distinct, but drab fall birds can be perplexing.