Distinctive in both plumage and behavior, the Black-and-white Warbler forages for insects while creeping along the trunks and branches of trees. Common in summer throughout the eastern United States and Canada, it has an unusually extensive winter range that extends from Florida to Venezuela and Colombia.It is a small warbler with black-and-white striped plumage and a striped crown. It has two white wingbars. The bill is slightly down-curved. It creeps along tree trunks and branches like nuthatches. The eyes are dark brown, the legs dark gray, soles of feet yellow, and has white spots in the tail. The Black-and-white Warbler has an unusually long hind toe and claw on each foot. This adaptation allows it to move securely on the surface of tree bark.Unusually aggressive for a warbler, the Black-and-white Warbler sometimes attacks and fights Red-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Tennessee Warbler, and other species.(Cornell Lab of Ornithology. All About Birds (Online)). |
