How many species are in the New World warbler family Parulidae?
The family currently contains 120 species divided into 18 genera.
Questions about New World warbler
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why are they called warblers if they don't warble?
The name was applied before the 1830s split from Old World warblers, when naturalists assumed the two groups were related. Most New World warblers lisp, buzz, hiss, chip, rollick, or zip rather than sing with trills, which is what "warble" technically means.
Where did New World warblers originate?
The family most likely originated in northern Central America, which still holds the greatest number of species and the deepest diversity within the family.
What happened to the genus Dendroica?
A 2010 molecular study showed that Dendroica species belonged to a larger clade also containing Parula, Wilsonia, Catharopeza, and Setophaga. Because Setophaga Swainson, 1827 was the oldest valid name for the group, all species except Catharopeza were moved into Setophaga, and Dendroica was retired.
What is the smallest New World warbler?
Lucy's warbler, Oreothlypis luciae, is the smallest, weighing around 6.5 grams.
Has any New World warbler gone extinct?
Yes. Bachman's warbler was declared extinct sometime between 1988 and 2023. The New Providence yellowthroat subspecies also disappeared, likely in the 1990s.