Invite a Garden Guest

Garden Guest: By Judy Wigand

THE WILSON’S WARBLER (Wilsonia pusilla) was first recorded in 1811 by American ornithologist Alexander Wilson. A listening ear will pick up this little bird’s constant chatter usually before spotting it, as this species likes to forage for insects by darting energetically through thickets, bushes and branches lying close to the ground. In addition to insects, they also enjoy berries and honeydew produced by scale insects. Measuring a mere 4 to 5 inches in length, the warbler’s bright lemon-yellow body and slightly olive back and tail hold vivid contrast with its large black eyes. Males have a distinctive black cap, which is absent in females.