General Description: Northern Parulas (Setophaga americana) are small warblers that generally are blue above with a greenish back and bold black-and-white wingbars. The belly is white, and the throat and chest are yellow. The chest is crossed by a black and orange breast band, which is brighter in males. The lower mandible is yellow, the color blending with the throat color. The beady black eye is set off with white spots above and below. Males have brighter colors than females.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Parulidae.

Favored Habitat: Woods near water.

Where to Find: Don't look for Northern Parulas around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them in the southeastern US during summer or in Central America during winter. Keen an eye out, however, as migrants sometimes straggle through our area.