Townsend's Warbler is a small songbird, measuring abut 4.5 inches to five inches in length (110–130 mm); weighing 8.8 grams (0.31 ounce). (About the size of a sparrow.)
Adult males have a black eye patch, surrounded by yellow. They look like they are wearing a black mask, whereas the female's mask is grayer and their chins are more yellow. Both have streaked gray and yellow chests.
Townsend's Warblers make their homes in a coniferous forest. spend most of their time in the upper third of the forest canopy. That can make spotting them without binoculars a challenge. (Watch for darting patches of bright yellow!)
Townsend's warblers bounce around in the conifer forest and chaparral singing away through the foliage, foraging on adult insects and larvae. They pair up in the spring and build a nest that will hold 3-7 eggs. You might see these at your home garden, if you are feeding with suet
Most Townsend's Warblers go south to Mexico or Central America for the winter.
Townsend's Warblers primarily eat insects like caterpillars and beetles. Stink bugs are part of their diet! they have a unique winter habit.
Townsend’s Warblers are notably aggressive. In hybrid zones, they are slowly expanding their range by outcompeting and displacing the Hermit Warbler.
Photo by Don Blohowiak
Photo by Don Blohowiak