The Northern Parula (*Setophaga americana*) is a petite bird measuring 11 cm in length, adorned with predominantly blue-grey upperparts and a greenish back patch accentuated by two white wing bars. Its breast transitions from yellowish to white towards the belly. During the summer months, the male Northern Parula displays bluish to rufous breast bands and distinctive white eye crescents.
In contrast, female birds exhibit a more subdued appearance compared to males and lack the distinctive breast bands.
Breeding across southeast Canada and the western half of the United States, Northern Parulas tend to migrate southward for winter, making appearances in Florida, southern Mexico, and the Caribbean.
These charming birds are often found inhabiting and surrounding hardwood forests, pine-oak woodlands, cypress groves, and hardwood swamps. They particularly thrive where Old Man’s Beard lichen or Spanish moss, favored nesting materials, flourish—especially near water sources. During winter, they adapt to a wide range of wooded habitats.
As insectivorous birds, Northern Parulas have a diverse diet, preying on various insects and spiders.
Breeding activities for the Northern Parula commence from May to June. Their nests are usually constructed from a hollowed-out tangle of hanging Old Man’s Beard or lichen, situated within either deciduous or coniferous trees. The interior is often lined with finely shredded moss, delicate grasses, plant down, or animal hairs. The female lays 4-5 white or cream eggs speckled with brown markings, which are incubated for approximately 12 to 14 days. The chicks fledge around 11 to 12 days after hatching.
