ID Keys: Bluish-gray upperparts, yellow below, 2 white wingbars,
olive patch on back
The
Tropical Parula is found from northern Mexico southward all the way to
Argentina, but also is a summer breeder in far southern Texas. Their range
seem to be expanding northward in Texas. The Tropical Parula was
formerly considered a form of the Northern Parula. After being separated as
a distinct species, it was originally called the "Olive-backed Parula"
before the current name was assigned. Within its range there are many
recognized subspecies with minor plumage, voice, and breeding distinctions.
Habitat
Found mostly in oak forests in the Texas
portion of its range, typically thick forests with significant growth of
Spanish Moss.
Diet
Feeds mostly on insects and spiders, but
they will occasionally take berries as well.
Behavior
Feeds by actively moving through the
foliage of the forest canopy, gleaning insects from vegetative surfaces.
They also may fly out to capture flying insects in mid-air. They often
will forage very low in the forest canopy, in the forest undergrowth, or
even by hopping along the ground.
Nesting
The nest is typically a hollowed out ball
of Spanish Moss or similar vegetation hanging on tree branches. The nest
typically has a sparse lining of hair, grass, feathers, or other fine
material. The female usually lays three eggs (between two and five), and she
does most of the incubating.
Song
Song is a thin buzzy trilling.
Migration
Most Tropical Parulas are considered
permanent residents, but most of those at the north end of their range,
including those in Texas, are migratory, moving southward a short distance
in the winter. Note that a few do generally linger even in the
northern part of their range, with Tropical Parulas occasionally found in
winter along the Rio Grande in Texas.
