Abstract
Adaptive radiation is reflected in the correlation of foraging habits and mensurations of the pelvic skeletal appendages of five species of parulid warblers. The Black-throated Green Warbler, a general crown foliage gleaner, is considered the most generalized of the group. The Yellowthroat is adapted to a reed-shrub-tall-grass habitat by means of a long pelvic appendage and long toes necessary for security of perch in this habitat. The Black-and-White Warbler, with shorter distal segments, a long hallux, and a considerable unaual arc, is at an advantage in clambering over the trunks and larger limbs of trees. The short pelvic appendage of the Ovenbird is compensated for by equilibrating tail-lifting and wing-flicking movements as it forages on a leaf-littered forest floor. A longer third digit in the Redstart, the only significant difference from the Black-throated Green, may aid in rapid take-offs in pursuit of flying insects. Adaptive radiation- in warblers as exemplified by variation in the hind limb appears to be quite extensive and reflects the spread of the group into many niches. Sympatry may well have reinforced such
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