Stereotyped foraging behavior of the Swainson's warbler

Abstract

I studied the foraging behavior of 399 individuals of Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) during the breeding season at more than 70 localities in the southeastern United States. Swainson's Warbler is a terrestrial dead-leaf specialist and "leaf-lifting" was the principal search/attack maneuver of all observed individuals. Pattering or vibration of feet is an important but previously unrecognized behavior associated with foraging in leaf litter. Observations indicate that leaf litter is a critical component of Swainson's Warbler habitat on breeding and winter territories and at migratory stopovers.