The Black-throated Gray Warbler is a small, migratory bird that measures around 4.5 to 5 inches in length and weighs between 0.3 and 0.4 ounces. This species is a common summer resident in the western United States, where it breeds in open woodlands, scrublands, and brushy areas. During the winter, the Black-throated Gray Warbler migrates south to Mexico and Central America.
The Black-throated Gray Warbler is a distinctive bird with bold, contrasting markings. It has a black throat, gray upperparts, and white underparts, with black and white streaks on its sides. The male also has a distinctive black mask around its eyes. The female has a less distinct mask and may have a brownish tint to its plumage.
During the breeding season, the Black-throated Gray Warbler is commonly found in pine-oak woodlands and coniferous forests in the western United States, where it forages for insects and spiders. In the winter, it may be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical deciduous forests, coastal mangroves, and scrublands.
The Black-throated Gray Warbler is a relatively short-distance migrant, with some individuals traveling as far south as Costa Rica for the winter. It generally migrates in small flocks, often in mixed-species foraging flocks with other migratory songbirds.
Although the Black-throated Gray Warbler is generally considered to be a common and widespread species, its population has declined in some areas due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts, including protection of its breeding and wintering habitats, can help ensure the continued survival of this charismatic bird.