Warblers

Among the most beautiful birds in the Western Hemisphere are the wood warblers. These tiny birds appear in a dazzling array of yellows, blues, greens, reds, and grays

By
John Rakestraw

Among the most beautiful birds in the Western Hemisphere are the wood warblers. These tiny birds appear in a dazzling array of yellows, blues, greens, reds, and grays. The warblers spend much of the year in the tropics of South America and the Caribbean. But every spring, they return to the north to nest, much to the delight of bird watchers across the continent.

About 54 species of warblers can be found in North America. While the majority of these birds are found in the eastern half of the continent, western birders can find their share of these colorful little sprites. Since warblers’ diets consist mostly of insects and fruit, these birds do not often visit feeders (a few warblers will take suet, peanut butter, or sunflower chips). The best way to attract migrating warblers to your yard is to provide good cover and water. A birdbath with a mister or dripper often proves irresistible to warblers.

Listed below are descriptions of five species of warblers most likely to be seen in an average yard. But keep your field guides handy, as any one of a dozen species might make an appearance on a spring morning.

Yellow-rumped Warblers sport bluish gray plumage on their upperparts. Their underparts are white with dark streaks. They get their name from the yellow patch on their rumps. Yellow patches also appear on their sides and on the top of their heads. Two races of Yellow-rumps can be seen in the area. The Myrtle race shows a dark cheek patch and white throat, while Audubon’s race has a plain gray face and yellow throat.

At first glance, the Black-throated Gray Warbler might be confused with a Chickadee. Gray above and white below, this warbler has a black cap, cheeks, and throat (females usually have a white throat) with black stripes running down the sides. Look for the small yellow spot between the eye and the bill.

Orange Crowned Warblers are a rather drab yellowish olive color with no obvious markings. The orange crown patch on the males, which gives the species its name, is rarely visible. At close range, look for blurry olive streaks on the underparts and a short dark line through the eye.

The face and underparts of Wilson’s Warblers are bright yellow, while the wings, back and tail are yellowish olive. The beady black eye really stands out on the yellow face. Male Wilson’s Warblers sport a neat black cap, which is lighter or lacking on females. This warbler appears slender and long tailed.

Townsend’s Warblers are found in the area all year and are frequently seen at bird feeders in the winter. This boldly patterned warbler shows a dark cheek patch on a yellow face, with a dark crown and black throat on the male. Black streaks extend along the sides of the yellow breast and white belly. Watch for the two white wing bars and white outer tail feathers that flash when the bird flies.

Identifying warblers can be a challenge. Males and females often look different, and some species look different in the winter than they do in the summer. But if you take the time to study your field guide in advance, you will be amply rewarded by the sights and sounds of these colorful little birds from the tropics.