# Black-and-white Warbler

*Mniotilta varia*

Unlike other warblers, this species has an extra-long hind toe and claw that allows it to crawl up and down tree trunks similar to a nuthatch.

- **Taxonomy:** Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Parulidae › Mniotilta
- **IUCN Red List status:** Least Concern
- **Population trend:** stable
- **Biome:** forest
- **Habitat:** Deciduous and mixed forests with a preference for mature trees and dense undergrowth.
- **Diet:** Insects, spiders, and larvae gleaned from tree bark and crevices.
- **Range:** North America, Central America, Northern South America, Caribbean
- **Size:** 11-13 cm length, 18-22 cm wingspan
- **Lifespan:** 2-5 years
- **Active:** diurnal
- **Threats:** Habitat fragmentation, window collisions during migration, and pesticide use reducing insect populations.
- **Safe to approach?:** Harmless. Observe from a distance with binoculars to avoid disturbing nesting or foraging. If an injured bird is found, contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator and do not attempt to keep it as a pet.

## About

The black-and-white warbler ( Mniotilta varia ) is a species of New World warbler, and the only member of its genus, Mniotilta .

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/a18c7f56-5022-41f8-a519-451c01e5163d
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/10286
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mniotilta varia
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/440387810/medium.jpg (lwolfartist, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.