Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Westover Hills
Common Name: Black-throated Blue Warbler
Scientific Name: Setophaga caerulescens
Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (8-12 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-7.9 in (19-20 cm)

Quick Facts Courtesy of Cornell Labs

• Male and female Black-throated Blue Warblers look so different that they were originally described as two different species.
• On the wintering grounds males and females use slightly different habitats. The male is most common in forest at lower to middle elevations, while the female uses shrubbier habitat at higher elevations.
• In the Dominican Republic, Black-throated Blue Warblers take advantage of a sweet treat created by insects harvesting tree sap. These insects feed on tree sap and excrete drops of sweet sap or “honeydew” from their back ends that the warblers drink up.
• The oldest Black-throated Blue Warbler was a female, and at least 9 years, 8 months old. She was banded in New Jersey in 1975 and shot in Panama in 1985.

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Spice Girl at Richmond SPCA

Hi! My name is Spice Girl and I’m a cute, curious little lady looking for my place in this world and I hope that it’s with you! I love to play with toys and then have a cuddle session afterwards. I am quite silly and sure to keep you smiling with my antics. If you’d like to take me home, call the adoption center to learn more about me!

Age: 5 years, 1 month
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Orange / Brown
Declawed: No
ID: 46968171

Adopt Spice Girl at Richmond SPCA

In response to COVID-19 and in order to reduce visitor traffic, observe necessary social distancing and to best protect the health and wellbeing of thier staff and members of the public, Richmond SPCA has transitioned to adoptions by appointment only. Please review their adoption appointment process.