The golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) is an endangered species. This colorful little warbler, about 4-1/2 inches long, nests only in central Texas. During the months from early March until mid-July, this beautiful bird is found nowhere else in the world.

During the winter they live in parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

The reason for this bird's endangered status is its preference for nest building material. It will only use Ashe juniper bark to construct the nest, and so it only nests in those Texas counties where stands of mature Ashe juniper are found. The nest itself doesn't have to be built in the Ashe juniper tree. Nests are built in Texas oak, cedar elm, and Arizona walnut. The nest is bound together with spider webs and grass. Many tall juniper and oak woodlands have been cleared to build housing developments.

The females build the nests and incubate the eggs. Three or four white eggs speckled with brown are laid. The male stays close by to defend the territory and helps to feed and care for the young. Territory size ranges from three to six acres. The incubation period is 12 days. The young fledge in eight or nine days but remain in the vicinity while the parents tend their care.

Golden-cheeks feed on insects, such as beetles and deer flies, caterpillars and spiders.

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Class: Aves | Order: Passeriformes | Family: Parulidae | Species: Dendroica chrysoparia