THE Wonder OF WARBLERS

With more than 50 species found in North America, enthusiasts clamor and gather for a chance to spot the energetic little birds during spring migration. Follow these amazing facts to appreciate them even more.

- AMY GRISAK

SINGING CHAMPS
With a seemingly unlimited combination of melodies, these migrating wonders lure us with their subtle, varied voices. Songs range from the black-and-white warbler's repeated wheezy, wheezy, wheezy, the blue-winged's bee-buzz rasp and the familiar sweet, sweet, sweet, I'm so sweet of the yellow warbler.

Nest Battles
Brown-headed cowbirds are known to lay eggs in the nests of many warblers, particularly those of yellow warblers but the warblers have a way of fighting back! To handle the intruder's eggs, a female warbler will often build another nest on top of all the existing eggs and lay additional eggs. One yellow warbler nest was noted for reaching six layers deep.

Bountiful Webs
Like hummingbirds, some warblers gather spiderwebs to assist in their nest construction. These sticky webs also offer hungry fliers an opportunity to pluck insects that get caught in the threads. Stylish Homes It's not one-location fits-all when it comes to warbler nests. The cuplike nests, built out of grass, bark and other plant materials, might be nestled in the crook of a tree or shrub, suspended within reeds and sedges, or nestled upon the ground. Northern parulas build nests in hanging clusters of Spanish moss or beard lichen. And prothonotary and Lucy's warblers create homes in existing holes in trees. Some backyard birders may even be able to attract these cavity dwellers with nest boxes.