Compared to most other wood warblers, Vermivora species are characterized by small size (i.e., body mass), relatively short tails and very sharply pointed beaks.  Bird banders who handle Vermivora spp. may have noticed that these species, like orioles, can use their beaks in a reverse opening fashion, to pry apart two fingers lightly trying to hold the birds' bills shut.  This ability reflects an adaptation to the foraging ecology of many species in this genus, which includes the habit of probing and prying into buds, flowers, and tightly curled leaves to gain access to small insects and nectar.