Golden-cheeked Warbler

: A Rare and Beautiful Bird of the Texas Hill Country

The Golden-cheeked Warbler is a small bird with striking yellow markings on its face, making it one of the most recognizable birds in North America. It is also an endangered species that only breeds in the oak-juniper woodlands of central Texas.

Basic Description:

The Golden-cheeked Warbler measures about 4.5 inches in length and has olive-green upperparts, white underparts, and black wings with two white wingbars. The most distinctive feature of this bird is its golden-yellow cheeks that contrast sharply against its black throat and crown.

Where To Find This Bird:

The Golden-cheeked Warbler can only be found during breeding season (from March to July) in a limited area within central Texas, specifically the Edwards Plateau region. This habitat covers about 1 million acres around Austin, San Antonio, and other cities within the Hill Country.

Habitat:

As mentioned earlier, this bird lives exclusively in oak-juniper woodlands or “ashe juniper” trees mixed with oaks or mesquites at elevations ranging from 1,800-3,000 feet above sea level. This unique ecosystem provides ideal nesting conditions for these birds as they prefer to build their nests high up off the ground using strips of bark or spiderwebs.

Food:

Golden-cheeked warblers feed mainly on insects such as caterpillars and beetles but will also eat spiders when food sources are scarce. They often glean their prey from foliage while perched on branches or treetops.

Cool Facts:

– The male warblers learn their songs from their fathers before migrating south for winter.
– Each nest contains three eggs.
– These warblers typically mate for life.
– Their population decreased significantly due to habitat loss caused by urbanization and agricultural development.
– In 1990 it was listed as threatened under federal law, making it a protected species.

In conclusion, the Golden-cheeked Warbler is a rare and beautiful bird that can only be found in central Texas. Their habitat is limited to oak-juniper woodlands and their diet consists mainly of insects. As an endangered species, these birds need our help to protect their natural habitat and ensure their survival for future generations.