WOOD-WARBLERS
Family Parulidae

Size 
4 -7.5 inches

Wood-warblers are often described as little brown birds that constantly move about avoiding identification. However this may be a misconception since many warblers are by far among North America’s most colorful bird species. Of course these active little birds are even harder to identify because they are mostly seasonal migrants in our part of the country. This means they are here for just a short time each spring and fall.

Most warblers feed on insects but some will take berries and nectar. Due to their insectivorous lifestyle they have very thin bills. Often warblers are confused with vireos but the thinner bill of the warbler usually is a distinguishing ID point. In fall many Dendroica warblers acquire a drab plumage before fall migration. This change coupled with the young immature birds makes the warblers hard to identify and thus are referred to as the “confusing fall warblers.” When identifying these birds observers should pay close attention to shape, patterns (such as wing bars), behavior (such as tail movements), and voice. Once you understand the basics of identifying warblers, a whole new world of birding will be open before you.

At Green Cay, we have had 23 confirmed wood-warbler species sightings. Some of the most notable species include Blackburnian Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. The most common species to be found at Green Cay depends on the time of year. During the winter months, we have four species that are present: Palm Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat. The other 19 species are mostly migrants. The peak of migration for Green Cay is usually April. This year we have already seen quite a few birds during fall migration. The next few months look very promising.  So get out there and find yourself some of these beautiful birds. Just look for movement on the habitat islands and if you see a small bird flitting about quickly, you’ve probably found a warbler.

Written by Eva Matthews, Naturalist at Green Cay Nature Center
Photos by Bill Kominsky

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Black and White Warbler

American Resdstart