Male Cape May Warbler

by Marlin and Laura Hum

Title

Male Cape May Warbler

Artist

Marlin and Laura Hum

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

This male Cape May warbler was photographed in Chateauguay, Quebec, Canada, in the spring.
"Among the dazzling cohort of spring warblers, the first Cape May Warbler to arrive is a balm: its mossy green back, tiger-striped breast, and chestnut cheek patch make it unlike any other warbler. During the breeding season, the species lives remote from most human observers, in northern spruce-fir forests, where its nesting success is tied to its chief food, the spruce budworm caterpillar. These unusual warblers have specially shaped tongues that allow them to sip nectar from tropical flowers in winter—and sometimes from hummingbird feeders. The tongue of the Cape May Warbler is unique among warblers. It is curled and semitubular, used to collect nectar.
The common name of the species comes from Cape May, New Jersey, where Alexander Wilson first described it. After that first time, Cape May Warblers were not recorded in Cape May for more than 100 years.
The average clutch size of the Cape May Warbler (6 eggs) is greater than that of other warblers. This large clutch size may allow Cape May Warbler populations to expand rapidly during outbreaks of their preferred prey, spruce budworms.
The nest of the Cape May Warbler was not accurately described until the early 20th century.
The oldest recorded Cape May Warbler was at least 4 years, 3 months old when it was found in 1978 in Quebec. It had been banded as an adult in Ohio in 1975." (www.allaboutbirds.org)
Male Cape May Warbler has been featured in the following Fine Art America groups:
Animals 06/03/2019
Wild Birds of the World 06/04/2019
FAA Portraits-Birds 06/04/2019
Wildlife One a Day 06/05/2019
Birds in Focus 06/07/2019
A Birding Group-Wings 06/08/2019
Music CD Cover Designs 06/20/2019
Photography and Nature 101 07/20/2019
Go Take a Hike Photography 03/22/2024

Uploaded

June 3rd, 2019

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