Semper's Warbler

Semper's warbler (Leucopeza semperi), local name pied-blanc, is a possibly extinct passerine bird of the New World warbler family, Parulidae. It is endemic to Saint Lucia, in the Lesser Antilles. It is the only species in the genus Leucopeza.

Semper's warbler is endemic to Saint Lucia, living in the undisturbed undergrowth of lower montane rainforests and elfin woodlands. Most records of the species come from the Barre de l'Isle ridge, between Piton Flore and Piton Canaries.

Semper's warbler is endemic to Saint Lucia, living in the undisturbed undergrowth of lower montane rainforests and elfin woodlands. Most records of the species come from the Barre de l'Isle ridge, between Piton Flore and Piton Canaries.

There is next to no information about the ecology of the Semper's warbler. Most if not all of its foraging activity took place in forest understory, generally close to the ground. It may nest on or near the ground.

This bird was first described in 1876 by English zoologist Philip Lutley Sclater based on a specimen forwarded to him by the Reverend John E. Semper, an amateur ornithologist who lived in St. Lucia. Semper's warbler is the type species of the monotypic genus Leucopeza, which Sclater introduced at the time of description. The common name and Latin binomial name commemorate Rev. Semper. The genus name, Leucopeza, combines the Ancient Greek leukos meaning "white" and peza meaning "foot". Semper's warbler is about 14.5 centimetres (5.7 inches) in length. It has a dark gray head with a pale superciliary, dark gray upperparts, a grayish-white belly, and brown wings and tail, with a grayish olive-brown wash on its flanks. Its dark gray bill is long and pointed. First-year birds are brownish-gray above, with pale buffish brown underparts and a whiter throat. The long legs are pale white to yellow in coloration. Juveniles remain undescribed. The song remains undescribed. The only documented calls consist of tuck-tick-tick-tuck noises, as well as chattering sounds made when an individual is alarmed.

This bird was first described in 1876 by English zoologist Philip Lutley Sclater based on a specimen forwarded to him by the Reverend John E. Semper, an amateur ornithologist who lived in St. Lucia. Semper's warbler is the type species of the monotypic genus Leucopeza, which Sclater introduced at the time of description. The common name and Latin binomial name commemorate Rev. Semper. The genus name, Leucopeza, combines the Ancient Greek leukos meaning "white" and peza meaning "foot".