An early Fall migrant at Cape May, they are scarce after early October. This one was notably late in the season and is the only one we saw on our visit. Note the fresh, unworn primaries and secondaries indicating this is a full adult. Immatures show retained worn, brownish juvenile remiges. The solid black cheek patch along with bold black flank streaks indicate a male. The white throat is typical of both males and females in non-breeding (basic) plumage. This common species acts more like a nuthatch than a warbler. Historically they were placed with the Creepers instead of the warblers. The monotypic genus "Mniotilta" means "moss-eater," a reference to their foraging on tree trunks. Genetically they are close to Prothonotary and Swainson's Warblers but, based on plumage I think they are more closely related to zebras.
