Meet the vibrant and lively red warbler, also known as Cardellina rubra! This little bird is quite the character, easily recognized by its striking red color and energetic nature. On average, it measures between 12.5 to 13.5 cm (4.9 to 5.3 in) in length and weighs around 7.6 to 8.7 g (0.27 to 0.31 oz).
Adult red warblers boast a beautiful red plumage all over their bodies. The sides of their heads feature an auricular patch, which can either be white or dark grey depending on the subspecies. Their tails and wings have a lovely pinkish-red border, appearing slightly deeper in shade. The beak is a delightful pinkish-gray with a black tip, while their legs sport a more subdued reddish-brown hue. As for their eyes, they range in color from dark brown to black.
The feathers of the female bird are typically slightly less vibrant or have a hint of orange, but there is minimal distinction between males and females generally. The month of August is when the complete shedding and parting of adult pairs takes place after their breeding period.
The red warbler, an indigenous species of Mexico, can be spotted across a vast region stretching from the southern regions of Hidalgo to the southern areas of Chihuahua. These vibrant birds have a particular fondness for high altitude environments characterized by humidity, such as pine, pine-oak, fir, and, to a lesser extent, oak forests. They tend to thrive within elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 meters above sea level.
Warblers have a fondness for exploring nature, particularly within lush, leafy environments, particularly coniferous trees. The outer branches of these trees offer a buffet of insect delicacies, primarily caterpillars, which the warblers happily feast upon during their foraging adventures. To efficiently catch these insects, the warblers employ a flying technique similar to that of a flycatcher, known as hover-gleaning.
The vibrant warbler builds its nest in a hollow on the ground. Typically, the nest is found near the base of a bushy shrub or on a gentle slope. Occasionally, a protective canopy is formed by a plant stem, log, or rock overhanging the nest site. The female warbler takes charge of constructing the nest, which is furnished with a lining of grass or animal hair and built using materials like pine needles, bark, or leaves. During a period of sixteen days, it is solely the female’s responsibility to incubate the eggs. However, once the hatchlings emerge, both parents take turns feeding them. After a span of around ten to eleven days, the young warblers are ready to leave the nest and venture out into the world.
According to the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of this particular species is classified as “Least Concern.” This is primarily because the species has a vast range for breeding and is estimated to have a global population ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 individuals. However, it is important to note that the population is currently facing a decline due to ongoing degradation of its natural habitat.