April 15, 2025

Worm-eating Warbler

These adorable creatures don’t overwinter or breed in Florida, but we’re fortunate enough to catch glimpses of them as they pass through our region. I captured this one making a pit stop in some sea grapes along the Sun Coast, searching for insects and caterpillars.

These little ones get their name from the caterpillars they consume, which were mistakenly referred to as worms during their initial classification. Despite their small size, weighing only 1/2 oz (14.2g), they undertake an incredible annual migration, traveling from as far south as Panama to as far north as Connecticut, USA, primarily during the nighttime hours.