ELFIN WOODS WARBLER Dendroica angelae (Kepler and Parkes) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: PARULIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A small warbler, generally black above, white below, 

 the chest, breast, and belly spotted with triangular dots. Laterally shows prominent 

 white eye ring, two curved white arcs on nape and post-auriculars, two white wing bars, 

 and a white wing "speculum." 



Present distribution : Very restricted, confined to about 1,000 acres of Elfin Woodland 

 forest on the peaks of El Yunque, El Toro, and East Peak, Luquillo Forest, eastern 

 Puerto Rico . 



Former distribution : Probably same as present although some habitat recently destroyed. 



Status : Very small population in extremely restricted geographical distribution 

 (1,000 acres). 



Estimated numbers : Probably does not exceed 300 pairs . 



Breeding rate in wild : Unknown . Pairs with one to three young have been seen in 

 June and July . 



Reasons for decline : Not definitely known to be declining but habitat destruction on 

 East Peak may have destroyed 5 percent of the total habitat. 



Protective measures already taken : The entire known range lies within Luquillo 

 Experimental Forest, administered by the U.S. Forest Service, which is also a bird 

 refuge . The Elfin Woodland can be reached only on foot or through restricted roads 

 that are kept locked with vehicular access by permit only. 



Measures proposed : The Elfin Woodland and adjacent forests of El Toro, El Cacique, 

 East Peak, West Peak, and parts of El Yunque be declared "Endangered Species Areas" 

 by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture which maintains jurisdiction 

 of the Luquillo Forest. No development within this area. Strict regulation of museum 

 collecting of the species . Initiate ecological and life history research on the species . 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown but probably poor . 



References : 



Kepler, C. B. and K. C. Parkes. 1972. A new species of warbler (Parulidae) 

 from Puerto Rico . Auk 89:1-18. 

 Wildlife . 



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