The Four Keys to ID
- Size & Shape
A small songbird with a small, fine bill and a medium-length tail.
Relative Size
Slightly larger than a Verdin, slightly smaller than a Yellow-rumped Warbler.
sparrow-sized or smaller
Measurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 4.7 in (12 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (7-9 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9 in (20 cm)
© John van Dort / Macaulay Library
- Color Pattern
Adult males are ashy gray above with a yellow face and throat. They are mostly white below with black stripes on the flanks. They have two strong white wingbars. Adult females are similar but less boldly patterned.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay Library - Behavior
Hops along thin branches in the tops of pine trees to glean insects and spiders from bark and foliage, especially pine needle clusters. Occasionally captures insects in flight or on the ground.
- Habitat
Nests in mature pine and pine-oak forests of mountains of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central America. Uses similar habitats on migration and in winter range.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay Library
Regional Differences
Four subspecies differ very slightly in size and plumage tones. Only subspecies graciae breeds in the United States; the other three (yaegeri, remota, and decora) breed in Mexico and northern Central America.