Basileuterus rufifrons
rufous-capped warbler

The Rufous-capped Warbler is usually found in parts of Central and South America such as Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. It is sometimes found as far north into the United States as Arizona and Texas. Although these birds are occasionally spotted in the United States, the majority live further south. (Blake et al. 1957; Dunn and Garrett 1997)

Rufous-capped Warblers prefer tropical venues or brushy habitats. They make their homes in regions with foothills and the lowermost parts of mountains. In the United States they have only been spotted in canyon bottoms surrounded by scrubland. (Blake et al. 1957; Dunn and Garrett 1997)

Basileuterus rufifrons are about 12.7cm long (5 inches). They are olive-gray colored birds with white underbodies, and yellow throats and breasts. Their name is derived from their uniquely patterned head and they have rufous on their crown. Males are only slightly different than females and adult colors are very similar to those of young birds. Their posture is defined by a cocked tail at an angle ranging from 45 degrees to completely vertical. Geographically they vary by the amount of yellow on their throat and breast and even vary sometimes in leg and tail length. In South America and Central America Rufous-capped Warblers (Basileuterus rufifrons) are now known as a different species, Chestnut-capped Warbler (Basileuterus delattrii) because the yellow on their breast and throat is much more extensive. The bills are very thick, wings are short and rounded, the tail is long with separate feathers, the legs are also fairly long.(Dunn and Garrett 1997)

They are found by themselves or in pairs for most of the year. In courtship the male calls his female with a chick or tik tune to make a sound "chit-chit-chit-chit." Sometimes it gives a call with a higher sounding "tsi". (Dunn and Garrett 1997)

Rufous-capped Warblers search through dense brush trying to find insects and spiders, their main staple. They find food by scanning very close to the ground looking for sudden movements. (Dunn and Garrett 1997)

No conservation of this species has been attempted, but scores of specimens of these birds are in museums and continue to be studied by taxonomists. Since Mexico is one of the primaray locations they are found, many observers of these birds have concentrated in this area to learn more. (Blake et al. 1957)

The Rufous-capped Warbler is taxonomically related to the Chestnut-capped Warbler (Basileuterus delattrii). Although they are now considered to be separate species many experts still refer to them as one in the same. Another similar species is the Golden-browed Warbler (Basileuterus belli) which has the same plumage, but is exclusive to Mexico and parts of Honduras in Central America. Although the plumage looks the same, the actual relationship to Basileuterus rufifrons is not known. (Dunn and Garrett 1997)