Kingdom Animalia Order Passeriformes Scientific name Mniotilta varia Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Family Parulidae Higher classification Mniotilta | |
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Genus Mniotilta
Vieillot, 1816 Similar New World warbler, Bird, Setophaga, Ovenbirds, Black‑throated green warbler | ||
Black and white warbler
The black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) is a species of New World warbler, the only member of its genus, Mniotilta. The genus name is from Ancient Greek mnion, "seaweed", and tillo, "to pluck"; Vieillot mistranslated the first word as "moss". The specific varia is from Latin varius, "variegated".
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It breeds in northern and eastern North America from the Northwest Territory and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada to Florida. This species is migratory, wintering in Florida, Central America and the West Indies down to Peru. This species is a very rare vagrant to western Europe.
This species is 14 cm (6 in) long and weighs 11 g (0.39 oz). The summer male black-and-white warbler is boldly streaked in black and white, and the bird has been described as a flying humbug. There are two white wing bars. Female and juvenile plumages are similar, but duller and less streaked.
Its song is a high see wee-see wee-see wee-see wee-see wee-see or weesa weesa weetee weetee weetee weet weet weet. It has two calls, a hard tick, and a soft, thin fsss.
The breeding habitat is broadleaved or mixed woodland, preferably in wetter areas. Black-and-white warblers nest on the ground, laying 4–5 eggs in a cup nest.
This bird feeds on insects and spiders, and unlike other warblers, forages like a nuthatch, moving up and down tree trunks and along branches.