Cerulean Warbler  Dendroica cerulean
Cerulean Warbler  Dendroica cerulean

The Cerulean Warbler is one of the species of highest concern in the eastern United States because of a small total population size and significant declines throughout its range.  It is listed on the Audubon Watchlist and under consideration for listing under the Endangered Species Act.
It breeds in the Eastern U.S. and extreme southern Canada in mature hardwoods especially along river valleys.  Nesting in tall forests of elm, soft maple, oak, birch, hickory, beech, sycamore, black ash, with a clear under story, it feeds mainly on insects and caterpillars.  It is also known to catch insects in flight.
The female Cerulean Warbler has an unusual way of leaving her nest as she “bungee jumps”, dropping with wings folded until she is well below the nest.   

Copyright Mark Tiefenbach                              Deep Brook Nature Photography
Copyright Mark Tiefenbach                              Deep Brook Nature Photography