Tropical Parula
Setophaga pitiayumi
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyParulidae
HabitatRiparian woodlands with Spanish moss and lichen
SeasonResident in South Texas; scarce and sought-after
LocationLos Fresnos Nature Park, Los Fresnos, Texas, Cameron County, Texas
Size4.1-4.5 inches
DietInsects and spiders gleaned from foliage
ConservationLeast Concern (IUCN)
CameraNikon Z9Lens800mmAperturef/8Shutter1/3200ISO12800
Tropical Parula painting the thornscrub blue and gold - Los Fresnos Nature Park.
About the Tropical Parula
The Tropical Parula is a tiny tropical gem that reaches the United States only in southernmost Texas: blue-gray above with a yellow-green back patch and a warm orange wash across its yellow breast, like a Northern Parula that upgraded its wardrobe.
It nests in hanging Spanish moss and ball moss in the riparian woodlands of the Rio Grande corridor, where its buzzy ascending trill gives it away high in the canopy. For visiting birders it is a signature Valley specialty.
This bird was photographed at Los Fresnos Nature Park in Cameron County just before Christmas, painting the thornscrub blue and gold.
Want to see a Tropical Parula in the wild?
Join one of my guided birding tours! Fine art prints of my photos are also available.
Join one of my guided birding tours! Fine art prints of my photos are also available.
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