Adult male

Brilliant orange throat and face, with a black crown and a dark triangular cheek patch. ^[1]

Female and immature

Paler yellow tones replace much of the orange. The cheek triangle and pale eyebrow remain important. ^[1]

Wings and posture

Look for strong pale wing markings and a thin, pointed bill as the bird works through branches. ^[1]

Listen for it

Learn the songs and calls

Compare Cornell’s recordings with what you hear outdoors. Listen for the rhythm and quality of each sound, then try to locate the bird visually.

Food and foraging

Insects and spiders; especially caterpillars. ^[2]

Watch where the bird searches for food and how it moves. Feeding behavior can be a useful clue alongside plumage.

Look up

Singing males may choose the very tip of a tall spruce or fir. ^{[2] [1]}

Caterpillar meals

Spruce budworm and other caterpillars are important foods. ^{[2] [1]}

Different winter forests

Wintering birds use tropical foothill and mountain forests, including shade-coffee habitat. ^{[2] [1]}