Red-Faced Warbler

Cardellina rubrifrons

In spring, Red-Faced Warblers migrate north from their winter homes in central and southern Mexico, and parts of Central America. Some migrate to the “Sky Islands” of Southern Arizona and seek the higher elevations where conifers and oaks dominate the forests. They place their nest in a shallow hole in the ground, beneath a log or plant.

This bird molts only once a year, at the end of summer, but it keeps its colorful plumage all year. Males are typically brighter than females.

Researchers believe the Red-Faced Warbler is monotypic, meaning there are no subspecies.

I first met the Red-Faced Warbler during a memorable stay on Mount Lemmon (north of Tucson, Arizona) in the spring of 2017. I spent three days at a location called Incinerator Ridge, and made the acquaintance of several new species, including the Grace’s Warbler, and the Olive Warbler. In May 2020, I met more of these gorgeous birds at about 9000 feet on Mount Graham (Graham County, Arizona).