Bird Friends of San Diego

Description

This little bird is often seen rapidly moving around a tall shade tree in search of insects. Although still common, this birds number has decreased due to pesticides being sprayed on shade trees.

Appearance

Pale gray or olive-gray head, back, wings, and tail. Dusky white underparts. Pale lores and white supercilium. Some have a pale yellow-green patch on flanks or belly. Blue-gray legs. Thick, dark bill with hooked upper mandible. Sexes similar. Juveniles may have yellowish-green flanks or belly and a faint buff colored wing bar. Adults have no wing bars. 4.75 to 5 inches in length.

Habitat

Broadleaf woodlands up to 10,500�.

Nesting

3-4 white eggs with brown spots and a 12 day incubation period. Fledging occurs 16 days after hatching. The nest is a well formed pendant cup made from tree bark and plant down. The nest is usually built on a forked twig near the top of a tall tree.

Photos

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