The Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) is a small songbird in the New World warbler family (Parulidae). It is known for its distinctive plumage, specialized feeding habits, and seasonal migration patterns. Below is a comprehensive overview covering taxonomy, appearance, distribution, behavior, and conservation.

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Appearance

Size: ~12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 inches) in length.

Wingspan: ~20–22 cm (7.9–8.7 inches).

Weight: ~9–17 grams.

Plumage: Males (breeding): Striking yellow underparts streaked with black, chestnut cheek patch, dark crown, and greenish upperparts. Wings have white patches.

Females and non-breeding males: Duller, with less streaking, more olive tones, and fainter cheek patches.

Juveniles: Even duller, more subdued tones.

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Range and Distribution

Breeding Range: Boreal forests of Canada and the northeastern United States, especially in spruce and fir dominated areas.

Wintering Grounds: Caribbean Islands, especially the Greater Antilles (e.g., Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico).

Migration: Long-distance migrant; travels thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering areas. Seen in eastern North America during migration.

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Habitat

Breeding Habitat: Coniferous (boreal) forests, particularly with spruce and fir trees.

Winter Habitat: Tropical lowlands, plantations, and gardens.

During Migration: Found in a wide variety of wooded habitats, including urban parks and orchards.

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Diet and Foraging

Primary Diet: Insects (especially spruce budworm caterpillars), spiders, and other arthropods.

Unique Trait: Has a brush-tipped tongue adapted for feeding on nectar and fruit juices—unusual among warblers.

Winter Feeding: Often feeds on nectar from flowers or fruit juices, similar to hummingbirds.

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Breeding

Nesting Season: May to July

Nest: Cup-shaped, usually built high in conifer trees near the trunk.

Eggs: Typically 4–9 eggs, whitish with reddish or brown spots.

Incubation: About 12 days, mostly by the female.

Fledging: Chicks leave the nest 10–12 days after hatching.

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Vocalizations

Song: A thin, high-pitched series of notes, often described as “tsi tsi tsi tsi tsi,” repeated quickly.

Call: A short “tsip” or “seet.”

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Behavior

Solitary or in Mixed Flocks: Often solitary during breeding; may join mixed-species flocks during migration or in winter.

Territorial: Males defend breeding territories with song and displays.

Agile Forager: Gleans insects from foliage, hovers to pick prey, and sips nectar.

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Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC).

Threats: Deforestation in breeding and wintering areas. Pesticide use affecting insect prey. Habitat loss due to logging and climate change.

Population Trends: Stable overall but susceptible to declines during spruce budworm population crashes.

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Interesting Facts

Cape May Warblers show population booms during spruce budworm outbreaks, a primary food source in breeding areas. They are one of the few warbler species with a specialized tongue for feeding on nectar. Despite being named after Cape May, New Jersey, the species was not seen there again for over 100 years after its first discovery.