The Cape May warbler, scientifically known as Setophaga tigrina, is a small migratory songbird belonging to the family Parulidae. This species is named after Cape May, a peninsula located in New Jersey, United States, where it was first discovered by ornithologist Alexander Wilson in the early 19th century.
Cape May warblers are relatively small birds, measuring around 12 to 14 centimeters in length with a wingspan of approximately 20 centimeters. They display sexual dimorphism, where males and females have different physical characteristics. Males possess vibrant plumage during the breeding season, exhibiting a distinctive combination of yellow, olive-green, and black stripes, with a rusty-colored patch on their cheeks. In contrast, female and immature birds have a more subdued appearance, featuring pale yellow undersides and mottled olive-gray upperparts.
These warblers breed in the boreal forests of North America, particularly in Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. They construct cup-shaped nests in conifers, usually situated in the higher branches. Cape May warblers are primarily insectivorous, feasting on various arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. During migration, these birds favor nectar as an essential energy source, particularly from flowering trees, such as the southernwood tree.
Considered a neotropical migratory bird, the Cape May warbler undertakes lengthy annual migrations to its wintering grounds in the Caribbean and Central and South America. These warblers navigate their arduous journey through a combination of visual landmarks, celestial cues, and their innate sense of magnetoreception.
Overall, the Cape May warbler is distinguished by its striking plumage, migratory behavior, and widespread distribution throughout its breeding and
