Rufous-capped Warbler Similar Species Comparison

Main SpeciesRufous-capped Warbler

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.

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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.

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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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Similar SpeciesChestnut-capped Warbler

Adult

Closely related Chestnut-capped Warbler, of southern Mexico to Colombia, has much less white below the eye than Rufous-capped. Chestnut-capped Warbler has more extensive yellow underparts than in the rufifrons group of Rufous-capped Warbler (though a similar amount of yellow as in the salvini group of Rufous-capped).

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