Bird Gallery Index

Hooded Warbler (male) image © Alan Murphy

Family: (Parulidae) Wood-Warblers

Preferred Habitat: Mature, moist woodlands and wooded swamps

Seasonal Occurrence: Common in spring; uncommon summer through fall. Breeds on the Upper Texas Coast in dense undergrowth.

Notes by Susan Billetdeaux: The female has no hood or only a hint of a hood. Both sexes often flash their tails, revealing conspicuous white side feathers. Forages in undergrowth, usually no more than 10 feet above the ground. The Hooded Warbler is a success story among warblers and is increasing in numbers in some areas. The Houston area sees most Hooded Warblers in April. In the summer, Jones State Forest and White Memorial Park are good places to look for them.

ID Tips by Don Verser: Usually near the ground and often flicks tail showing white spots.[Editor's Note: See the chart of fall occurrence for Hooded Warblers on the Upper Texas Coast, prepared by Don Verser, for more information about fall migration patterns.]

Hooded Warbler (female) image © David McDonald