Sociality and foraging behavior of the Cerulean Warbler in Venezuelan shade-coffee plantations

We examined the use of Venezuelan shade-coffee plantations by the Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) and other Neotropical migrants. Cerulean Warble rs were commonly observed as pairs in mixed-species hocks. Average (+/- SE) flock size was 13 +/- 2 species with 22 +/- 3 individuals. Average flock t erritory size was 2.5 +/- 0.2 ha. No differences were detected in foraging behavior (maneuvers, location, or success) among adult males, adult females , and immature birds. Adult males were often observed visiting flowers of c anopy trees. The results of this study indicate that shade coffee plantatio ns may provide suitable wintering habitat for Cerulean Warblers although co mparisons with other habitats are needed.