Rufous-capped Warbler Identification

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Rufous-capped Warbler Photos and Videos

Adult (rufifrons Group)

A small warbler with a rufous cap and cheek patch, white stripes above and below the eye, and a narrow black mask running through the eye. The widespread rufifrons subspecies group has a bright yellow throat and breast that contrasts with a whitish belly.

Adult (salvini)

The salvini subspecies group, found in southern Mexico, Belize, and northern Guatemala, has entirely yellow underparts.

Adult (rufifrons Group)

A small, boldly marked warbler with a rufous-and-white head, yellow throat and breast, and grayish-olive upperparts. Both sexes sing a rapid, multiparted song.

Adult (rufifrons Group)

Upperparts and tail are gray to grayish olive.

Adult (rufifrons Group)

Often holds its long, narrow tail nearly vertically.

Adult (rufifrons Group)

Builds a dome-shaped nest, placed on the ground, from plant fibers.

Adult (rufifrons Group)

Found in brushy habitats, including woodland edges and second growth areas.

Adult (salvini)

Forages for insects in low to midlevel vegetation.

Adult (rufifrons Group)

Forages close to the ground in search of insects. Frequently raises or cocks its long tail.

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Chestnut-capped Warbler

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Identification

Attractive, perky, long-tailed warbler widespread in foothills and highlands, locally in lowlands. Favors brushy and weedy areas adjacent to woodland and scrub. Usually in pairs or small groups which hop around low in brush with tails cocked. Note white eyebrow, rusty cap, and yellow bib. Birds in southeast Mexico and Belize are extensively yellow below. Listen for its buzzy trills and chips, usually given in a multi-parted series. Once considered conspecific with Chestnut-capped Warbler.

Relative Size

About the same size as a Common Yellowthroat.

Size chart showing sparrow to goose sized

sparrow-sized or smaller

Measurements

Both Sexes
- Length: 5.1 in (13 cm)
- Weight: 0.4 oz (11 g)

Regional Differences

Ornithologists recognize two Rufous-capped Warbler subspecies groups: a widespread rufifrons group found across much of Mexico and extending into Guatemala, and a salvini group that occurs from southern Mexico to Belize and northern Guatemala. The main difference is the amount of yellow on the underparts: birds in the rufifrons group have yellow limited to the throat and breast, while individuals in the salvini group also have bright yellow on the belly and below.