Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Warbler family (Parulidae)
A small warbler. Blue-gray back, greenish-yellow patch on back, yellow throat and breast, two conspicuous white wing bars. Male has black and rufous bands across breast.
Habitat:
Riparian forest.
Nesting:
Nests near tip of tree limb, sometimes in a branch overhanging a river. Eggs are white with brown spots. Clutch size – 3 to 5 eggs.
Voice:
Song is a rapid buzzy trill that rises in pitch then drops suddenly with an explosive ending note, “zeeeeeeeeeee-yup.”
Name Origin:
The genus name Setophaga is from the Greek for "moth eater." The common name Parula is from the Latin for “little titmouse.”
In the Nature Park:
Neotropical migrant, arrives in late April or early May. Common in riparian forests along the Creekside Trail.
Photos:
Northern Parula male
