Eagles are thought of as regal and majestic birds that soar over the United States. There are a few different eagle species that make their way into the United States. In this post there is information about which species you can expect to find in your state in addition to identification tips and facts.
Bald Eagle
Adult Bald Eagle (Photo by Bill grossmeyer)
Juvenile Bald Eagle (Photo by Bill Grossmeyer)
Identification
The adult Bald Eagle is an unmistakable raptor species. They have a brown body with a white head and tail. In flight, they look quite flat as opposed to Turkey Vultures and other soaring species that sport a v-shaped wing pattern known as a dihedral. Bald Eagles have a large yellow bill.
Juvenile Bald Eagles don’t look quite as distinctive with varying degrees of mottled white mixed In with brown. Juveniles still have a noticeably large bill.
Range
Bald Eagles winter in most of the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. They migrate north into Canada and some of the Great Lakes states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. There are many areas where Bald Eagles live year round, most of which are around coastlines, rivers, or other bodies of water.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Bald Eagles eat primarily fish but will also consume amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and carrion. In fact, Bald Eagles can often be seen around landfills searching for scraps, or roadsides searching for roadkill. Two places one wouldn’t expect to see such a majestic bird.
Where to Find This Bird
The easiest way to see Bald Eagles is to watch the skies and look for a large bird with broad, flat wings soaring. In terms of places to see many Bald Eagles at once, search out dams or other places where fish congregate, here, several different Eagles may be waiting to get an easy meal. To see Eagles in their nesting habitat, forests near rivers and bodies of water that are far away from human habitation are the best places.
Golden Eagle (Uncommon)
Golden Eagle (Photo by Bill Grossmeyer)
Identification
Golden Eagles are very large raptors that are brown in color with slightly lighter feathers mixed in. They have a white band on the tail, and the nape of their neck has golden colored feathers. Immature birds have white at the base of their primary feathers visible in flight from underneath.
Range
Golden Eagles live year round in the western half of the United States and Northern Mexico. Some members of this species migrate north and breed in Alaska and Canada. During winter, Golden Eagles move east with some birds traveling a significant distance away from their expected area. This species can also be found in Europe and parts of Asia.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Golden Eagles typically eat mammals such as squirrels and rabbits, but they will also eat birds. This particular species has also been known to to take on much larger prey such as deer or even other larger predators such as coyotes.
Where to Find This Bird
Golden Eagles aren’t typically found near human habitation or near large tracts of forest. They are a species of open areas as well as mountainous areas. The easiest way to find them is to look for them soaring over.
Summary
Eagles are large and noticeable birds. Their regal look and importance as symbols of strength certainly make them intriguing. Knowing which eagle species are expected in your state can be instrumental in identifying which exact species you’re looking at.
Roaming around the southwestern United States is a bird that may not be as appreciated as much as it should be: the Great-tailed Grackle. Great-tailed Grackles are medium sized blackbirds with a slender appearance and an impressively long tail. Males have a black base color with iridescent blue and purple sheens. Females have dark brown wings and a dark brown tail with lighter browns on their head and underside. Females also have a lighter colored throat and show some striping on their face. Aside from their physical appearance making them look pretty unique, these birds also set themselves apart with some very interesting vocalizations. Sounding more like a machine or old time-y radio than a bird, Great-tailed Grackles make a variety of whistles, squawks and even a crackling sound that sound extremely non-avian.
Great-tailed Grackles are year-round residents of the most northern parts of South America, Central America, and Mexico. In the United States, they are found all the way from Southern California as far north as Iowa, and as far east as Louisiana. It’s worth noting that these birds look extremely similar to another species, the Boat-tailed Grackle that lives in the southeastern United States and in some parts of the country has an overlapping range with the great-tailed grackle, making for a difficult identification challenge. These birds used to be combined as one species but were later split into two which is where they still stand taxonomically at the time of this video. It has been typically accepted that eye color could be used to determine the exact species with great tailed grackles having a yellow eye and boat-tailed grackles having a dark eye, but in recent years this has been found to not always be the case. Oftentimes range is actually one of the most definitive ways to make a positive identification.
Check out our video about Great-tailed Grackles
Great-tailed Grackles have an extremely varied diet consisting of grains, fruits, and other plant matter, as well as many different types of animals ranging from insects to larger vertebrates like frogs, lizards and even small mammals. These birds are also quite common at bird feeders where they will visit in large groups, sometimes pushing away other species with their relatively large size and sheer numbers, much to the chagrin of feeder watchers.
Great-tailed Grackles can be found in open forests, usually somewhere near a water source. They tend to steer clear of extremely dense forests and arid places, but have adapted extremely well to human habitation, for this reason, they can regularly be seen in large numbers around cities, in parks, and near farms where they forage for food, sometimes along with other blackbird species contributing to the creation of massive large. When it gets close to dark in the nonbreeding months, groups of Great-tailed Grackles return to roosting areas where they cause a ruckus with their various noises. These groups can actually number in the 10s or in some cases even hundreds of thousands, so you can only imagine the noises they produce in these groups.
Male Great-tailed Grackle
Due to their ability to live alongside humans in a variety of different altered landscapes, Great-tailed Grackles have actually expanded their range. In the 1990s the northern range of this species was southern Texas, but now they inhabit midwestern and western states with a northern range that now incorporates states as far north as Iowa. Much of this expansion has been due to their ability to live around humans and the increase of irrigated agriculture creating just the right environment for them to thrive. This has also helped the species actually increase in number, and bolster their population to around 30 million worldwide, a net increase since the 1960s. Due to their abundance and propensity for eating crops and reputation for being loud and brash around cities and bird feeders, many people view these birds as pests.
My first experience with Great-tailed Grackles was in northern Texas where I saw them around my hotel parking lot. A few years later I saw them again in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas where I got very well acquainted with them. Many feeding stations were inundated with these birds and it seemed like everywhere we went, Great-tailed Grackles were also there, drinking from puddles, making their fascinating noises from high perches, and generally lurking around foraging in lawns and on streets. While some people may think of these birds as a nuisance, to me they are a recognizable species in their native range and an important part of the ambiance in Mexico, Texas, and the rest of the southwestern United States. What do you think of Great-tailed Grackles? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thanks for watching, we’ll see you next time, on Badgerland birding.
Vireos are small, quick moving birds that can sometimes be difficult to get a look at. Most of them migrate in springtime right along with the warblers, and most have distinctive songs and calls. In Michigan, there are seven vireo species that move through the state with some being very common and others being rarer. Here is everything you need to know about those seven species.
Bell’s Vireo (Uncommon)
Bell’s Vireo – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Bell’s Vireos have a sandy colored back and wings, gray head, and light-colored underside. The top of their head is darker than the rest of their body, they have white wing bars, and white around their eye. They do look pretty similar to Warbling Vireos and oftentimes the best way for beginners to identify them is by song to be certain.
Range
Bell’s Vireos winter on the western coast of Central America, Mexico, and Baja California. In spring, they move north spending the summer in Central Mexico, the southeastern United States, and parts of the midwestern United States as far east as Ohio.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Bell’s Vireos are active feeders, taking insects and spiders from leaves and branches. They also eat some berries but most of their diet is small invertebrates.
Where to Find This Bird
Bell’s Vireos can be found in scrubby areas with thick underbrush. They are not typically found in forests or areas with many large trees but will occur in areas with some. Listen for their calls which sound like a distinctive “Cheedle cheedle chee cheedle cheedle chu.”
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue-headed Vireos
Identification
The aptly named Blue-headed Vireo has a grayish-blue head, a white eye ring, an olive-colored back and wings, and with white wing bars. They have a light underside with yellowish sides.
Range
Blue-headed Vireos winter in Central America, eastern Mexico, and the southwestern United States. In spring they spread north through the eastern U.S. and into their breeding areas in the northeastern U.S. and southern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Blue-headed Vireos feed on a variety of different insects including larva such as caterpillars. They also eat spiders and some fruits. Blue-headed Vireos are fairly active hunters, usually searching out prey from near the tree trunks. They will actively chase after food items too.
Where to Find This Bird
Blue-headed Vireos inhabit many different types of forests including deciduous and coniferous. Unlike many other eastern vireo species, Blue-headed Vireos do not shy away from stands of evergreens to breed in. During migration, they make stop overs in insect rich areas such as trees and bushes lining streams and rivers.
Philadelphia Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Philadelphia Vireos have a brownish gray cap, back, and wings. They have a yellow throat and underside. There is more of a contrast between their cap and the rest of the face and underside than other similar looking vireo species such as Warbling and Bell’s. They have white striping around their eye.
Range
Philadelphia Vireos winter in Central America and southern Mexico. In spring, they move north to their breeding areas all across southern Canada and in some of the most northern parts of the midwestern and northeastern United States.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Philadelphia Vireos eat a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. Some common prey items include caterpillars and spiders. They will also eat some fruits.
Where to Find This Bird
Philadelphia Vireos can be found in forested areas, near rivers, and in places with thick underbrush. For people living in the continental United States, the best time to see this species is usually during migration where hey mix in with other small birds.
Red-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Identification
Red-eyed Vireos have an olive-colored back, a light underside, a grayish blue cap, and a light-colored eye stripe edged in darker blue to black. They have a namesake red eye that sets them apart from most other vireo species in United States.
Range
Red-eyed Vireos winter in northern South America, then move north into the continental United States and Canada to spend the summer. In the U.S., this species inhabits most of the midwestern and eastern states. They also summer in every state bordering Canada, even Washington.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red-eyed Vireos have diets that vary depending on the time of year. In summer they feed primarily on insects, while other times of the year they eat more plant matter and fruit.
Where to Find This Bird
Red-eyed Vireos can be found in forested areas consisting of deciduous or mixed deciduous trees. When the trees are leafy, they are easier to hear than they are to see as they spend much of their time up in the canopy.
Warbling Vireo
Warbling Vireo – Photo by Yellowstone National Park
Identification
Warbling Vireos have a brown back, head, and wings. Their underside is a yellowish cream color, and they have a white stripe above and below their eye.
Range
Warbling Vireos spend the winter in Central America and southern Mexico. In spring they move north into most of the continental United States and western Canada where they spend the summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Warbling vireos are insectivores and eat a variety of beetles, flies, and caterpillars. They forage high up in trees and pick prey off of leaves and branches.
Where to Find This Bird
Warbling Vireos are most often found in deciduous woods or even just stands of deciduous trees. Since they usually forage high up in trees, the easiest way to locate one is often times to hear them singing. The song of the Warbling Vireo is very bubbly and sounds like one long run-on sentence.
White-eyed Vireo
White-eyed Vireo – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
White-eyed Vireos have a gray head, an olive green back, two white wing bars on each side, and a light underside with a yellow wash. One of their most distinctive features is their white eye. They also have yellow on their face from the base of their bill over their eye.
Range
White-eyed Vireos winter in some of the northern Central American countries, Eastern Mexico, and the southeastern United States. They move north in the spring and reside in most of the northeastern states south of Wisconsin and Michigan. White-eyed Vireos are very common in the states in the southeastern U.S. and are rare visitors in northern states in the Midwest and Northeast.
Diet and Foraging Habits
White-eyed Vireos eat a wide variety of insects including moths, caterpillars, beetles, and pretty much anything small enough for them to catch and consume. Their diet also consists of some fruits as well.
Where to Find This Bird
White-eyed Vireos reside in places with thicker understories including near streams and rivers, overgrown field edges, and deciduous or mixed woods. Look for this species moving quickly through bushes and shrubs from around 6 to 12 feet off the ground.
Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Identification
Yellow-throated Vireos have a yellow head, face, and of course throat. Their throat is a brighter color of yellow than the rest of their head which is darker, and they have brighter yellow around their eye as well. The back and wings of this species are gray, and they have a white underside. Overall, they are very sporty looking birds.
Range
Yellow-throated Vireos winter in northern South America, Central America, southern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring, they move north into most of the eastern United States and some of the southeastern parts of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Yellow-throated Vireos eat insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally plant matter such as seeds and fruits. They tend to forage higher up in trees than other species.
Where to Find This Bird
Yellow-throated Vireos can be found in deciduous forests where they can be found around gaps and forest edges. Their preferred habitats tend to be larger forests as opposed to small groves of trees. Look for this species in the mid to high canopy foraging and dinging.
Summary
Vireos are small and quick moving birds that can be enjoyable to view and sometimes tricky to identify. We hope that this post has helped to answer some questions about the Vireos of Michigan.
Cranes are among the largest and most noticeable birds in North America. These birds are always impressive to see when out birding and can turn up in some places you wouldn’t expect to see these tall, regal birds. In North America there are two crane species, and one of them can be found in Connecticut. Here is everything you need to know about that species.
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Sandhill Cranes have a mostly gray colored body with tan color mixed in. During the warmer months they typically are more tan than they are gray. They have a long neck and bill with white cheeks and red on top of their head.
Sandhill Crane chicks are a yellowish tan color and can often be seen tagging along with the adult parents.
Range
Sandhill Cranes winter in a few different areas around North America including northern Mexico, southern Texas, Florida, parts of California, parts of southern Louisiana, and other areas across the Great Plains states. In spring, they start heading north to breed in the northern United States and southern Canada. There are a few places where Sandhill Cranes stage prior to migration where they can be seen in absolutely massive numbers. Most of these areas are in the upper Midwest in states such as Minnesota and North Dakota.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Sandhill Cranes eat a wide variety of different food items. Much of their diet consists of plant matter such as tubers, berries, and seeds, but they also eat small vertebrates, insects and other invertebrates. Sandhill Cranes forage in shallow water as well as in farm fields where they eat grains from crops.
Where to Find This Bird
Sandhill Cranes can be seen in many different places. Some of the most common areas to find this species are shallow water marshes and open fields. However, Sandhill Cranes also show up on lawns in neighborhoods and even in parking lots in cities where they casually stroll around, often to the surprise of humans.
Summary
Cranes are spectacular birds to see as an avid birder or just a casual observer. Knowing where to expect them and which species are likely to be in your state and region can make it much easier to find and identify them.
Warblers are vibrant, small, colorful birds that Gulls are a type of bird that can prove to be controversial in the birding community. Some people despise them for how difficult they can be to identify while others love them for the same reason.
Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of Warbler species. Some of them breed in Wisconsin while others just pass through. Here is everything you need to know about the warblers of Wisconsin.
American Redstart
Male American Redstart – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Female American Redstart – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Male American Redstarts have a black head, wings, back, and tail. They also have black on their chest and an otherwise white underside. While the black color on these birds is certainly spiffy, their most defining feature is their orange color on their sides, wings, and tail. Females look quite different having a gray head, light underside, brownish back, wings, and tail, and the orange of the male is exchanged with yellow in the same places. Females also have a white eye ring.
Range
American Redstarts winter in northern South America, Central America, the Caribbean, southern Mexico, Baja California, and Southern California. In spring, they not only spread out through the eastern United States but also much of the western United States. They breed in most of the eastern United States and much of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
American Redstarts are very active foragers and will catch prey in flight more than most other warbler species. They feed mostly on insects but will also eat fruits such as berries.
Where to Find this Bird
American Redstarts can be found mostly in deciduous forests during their breeding season. They tend to live and forage in the middle to high parts of the canopy. During spring migration it’s more common to see them lower down, especially around streams actively searching for food.
Bay-breasted Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Male Bay-breasted Warblers are extremely unique looking warblers with a reddish-brown (bay) colored cap, chin, and sides, a cream colored back of the neck, gray and black striped back, and white wing bars. Males also have a dark black mask over their eyes. Females look nothing like the males, having mostly gray backs and wings with lighter colored undersides. They do still have the white wing bars and show light striping on their back.
Range
Bay-breasted Warblers winter in northern South America, some countries in Central America, and the Caribbean. In spring, they move up into the eastern United States, eventually ending up in Canada and some of the most northern states in the continental U.S. such as Maine and northern Minnesota.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Bay-breasted Warblers primarily feed on insects (particularly the larvae and pupae of spruce budworm) but will also feed on some fruits as well.
Where to Find this Bird
For people in the United States, Bay-breasted Warblers are easiest to see during migration. They tend to forage in the middle parts of trees but during migration will drop down a bit lower than when they’re on their breeding grounds.
Black-and-white Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler – Photo by Wayne National Forest
Identification
Black-and-white Warblers are white with complex black striping. They have the most black on their wings and tail along with stripes on their head and underside. Males have a darker black patch on the side of their face than females as well as a black chin which females lack. Both males and females have white eye rings.
Range
Black-and-white Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and some of the southern states in the US. In spring they move north, breeding in many of the eastern states and much of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-and-white Warblers feed mostly on insects and other small invertebrates. They forage in a fashion similar to that of nuthatches, clinging to trees and inspecting crevices in branches. Unlike Brown Creepers which at first glance can look similar to Black-and-white Warblers, these birds move any and all directions as they forage whereas Brown Creepers only go up the tree.
Where to Find this Bird
Black-and-white Warblers can be found in mixed forest throughout the year. In some parts of their wintering areas they will be in more tropical forests, but they also winter in areas like South Texas. The best way to spot them is to look for a bird working tree trunks and branches.
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Male Black-throated Blue Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Female Black-throated Blue
Identification
Male Black-throated Blue Warblers are very distinctive with a deep blue back, dark gray to black wings, black on the face, chin, and sides, and a clean white underside. They also have a noticeable patch of white on each wing. Females are drastically different with buff-y coloration on the body and darker gray to brown on the head and wings. They also have a pale eye stripe and a hint of blue on their wings and head.
Range
Black-throated Blue Warblers winter in Central America, parts of eastern Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands. In spring they move north through the eastern United States ending up in their breeding locations in southeastern Canada, New England, parts of the northern Midwest, and the Appalachian Mountains.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-throated Blue Warblers feed mostly on insects but will also eat some fruits. Like all warblers they are active foragers.
Where to Find this Bird
During their time in North America, Black-throated Blue Warblers can be found in deciduous or mixed coniferous forests. They are often seen foraging lower in the canopy but not usually on the ground.
Black-throated Gray Warbler (Rare)
Black-throated Gray Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierier
Identification
Black-throated Gray Warblers have a gray back, wings, and tail. Their head and face are white and black striped. As their name would suggest, this species has a black throat that is more prominent in males than females. Both males and females have a white underside with black streaks on their sides. Another interesting field mark is a golden-yellow spot between their bill and eye.
Range
Black-throated gray Warblers winter in western Mexico and Baja California. In spring, they move north into the western United States and the most southwestern parts of Canada. They have been known to stray from their normal range during migration and are spotted in states farther east than expected on an annual basis.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-throated Gray Warblers are very deliberate in the way they forage for food, slowly moving around shrubs, leaves, and branches looking for insects and spiders.
Where to Find this Bird
Black-throated Gray Warblers can be found in open conifer forests where they tend to forage in the middle parts of trees. During migration they can show up in a variety of different habitats.
Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler – Alan Schmierer
Identification
Black-throated Green Warblers have a yellowish green back with the same color on the top of the head and the cheeks. The rest of their face is a brighter yellow. These birds have gray wings with white wing bars. Males have a dark black throat with black streaking on their sides. Females have less black on their throat. Both males and females have white undersides and yellow near their undertail.
Range
Black-throated Green Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, parts of Mexico, the Carribean, and the most southern parts of Florida. In spring, they move north into the northeastern United States, southeastern Canada, and the Appalachian Mountain states.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-throated Green Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. During nonbreeding season, they will also eat buds and fruits.
Where to Find this Bird
Black-throated Green Warblers reside in a variety of different types of forests where they are usually found higher up in the treetops. Fortunately, these birds have a very distinctive song, sounding like “zee zee zee zu zee.”
Blackburnian Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler – Photo by Kevin Bolton
Identification
Blackburnian Warblers are among the most beautiful warblers. Males have a black back and wings with white markings on the wings and just behind the neck. Their underside is white with some black streaks, but its their face that really stands out. In addition to a black pattern that goes over the eye and on the forehead, these birds have a gradient mix of yellow and orange. Female and immature males have a grayer back and show duller colored facial patterns as well as duller yellow on the face and chest.
Range
Blackburnian Warblers winter in northern and northeastern South America. During spring they move into the United States and Canada to breed, ending up in the northeastern states, midwestern states, and states around the Appalachian Mountains.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Blackburnian Warblers eat various insects (particularly spruce budworms) as well as other invertebrates that they actively search for.
Where to Find this Bird
Blackburnian Warblers are generally found high up in the canopy where the males orangey-yellow throat is visible. They breed in coniferous and mixed coniferous forests. Oftentimes, to get a good look at one, the best time is during migration when they will occasionally come down lower in the branches to feed.
Blackpoll Warbler
Male Blackpoll Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Male Blackpoll Warblers have have a black cap, gray, black, and white striped back, and hints of yellow on their wings. They have a white underside with black streaking, and a white cheek. Females look extremely different, sporting a mostly gray body with a darker colored head, back, and wings. They also have a tinge of yellow on their wings and head. Both males and females have distinctive orange legs, unique among warblers.
Range
Blackpoll Warblers winter in northern South America and migrate all the way into Canada and Alaska to breed, making their way through the eastern United States in the spring and fall.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Blackpoll Warblers eat mostly insects and other small invertebrates, but will also eat fruit, particularly during fall. These birds usually feed around five feet or more off the ground.
Where to Find this Bird
Blackpoll Warblers breed extremely far north in Canada and Alaska, so the best time to find them is during migration. Look for them in the middle to high parts of trees in usual places where warblers turn up such as streams, parks, and woodlands.
Blue-winged Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Blue-winged Warblers are yellow with a thin, black stripe over their eyes. They have two white wing bars on their wings that are grayer than they are blue. The same color on their wings is also on their tail and their undertail is significantly paler than their underside.
Range
Blue-winged Warblers winter in Central America, the Carribean, and eastern Mexico. in spring they move into the eastern United States, spending the summer in the more northern part of the eastern U.S.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Blue-winged Warblers are very active foragers, moving in a way similar to chickadees. They feed on insects as well as other small invertebrates.
Where to Find this Bird
Blue-winged Warblers breed along forest edges, in thickets and scrub, along with more open wooded areas. They can be located by listening for their distinctive “bee-buzz” call.
Canada Warbler
Canada Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Canada Warblers have a slate gray head, back, wings, and tail. Their underside is bright yellow, and they have a black “necklace” on their chest. They have black coloring on their face as well and sport a bold, white eye ring. Females look very similar to the males but don’t have nearly much black on their chest.
Range
Canada Warblers winter in northwestern South America and southern Central America. In spring, they move north, breeding in southern Canada, the northeastern United States, and some of the Appalachian Mountain states.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Canada Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates which they actively hunt for. They will take flying insects on the wing.
Where to Find this Bird
Canada Warblers are most easy to find during migration when they show up along with other small migratory birds in typical warbler habitats such as forests and along rivers and streams. In the breeding season, these birds tend to gravitate toward forests with a lot of moss and ground cover such as ferns. They can be seen moving around lower in the trees but not usually on the ground.
Cape May Warbler
Cape May Warbler – Photo by Susan Young
Identification
Cape May Warblers have a yellowish gray back and wings, white wing bars, and a yellow underside with dark streaking. The most distinctive feature of these birds is their head and face. They have a dark cap, yellow chin and nape of the neck, and reddish cheeks. Females look similar but are duller in coloration.
Range
Cape May Warblers winter in Central America, parts of eastern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring, they move north into the eastern United States. They end up breeding in Canada and some of the most northern states in the Midwest.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Cape May Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates, especially spruce budworm. They will also eat nectar from flowers and hummingbird feeders in addition to berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Cape May Warblers breed in conifer forests, particularly spruce and fir. During migration they show up in a wide variety of locations. Search for them in places other warblers and migratory species frequent.
Cerulean Warbler
Male Cerulean Warbler
Identification
Male Cerulean Warblers are incredibly beautiful with a brilliant blue back and wings, white underside, and blue “necklace.” They have a white chin, blue striping on the flanks, and some black mixed in on their wings and tail. An additional feature to note are their two white wing bars. Females look something like a male that was washed in yellow. They have a greenish blue head, back, and rump. Females have wing bars too, but they are more yellowish than the clean white of the males.
Range
Cerulean Warblers winer in the northern and northeastern parts of South America. In spring, they migrate north to their breeding areas in the eastern United States. They do not breed as far north as many other warbler species, only just barely making it into Canada in the Great Lakes region.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Cerulean Warblers primarily feed on insects which they pick from leaves and branches in the treetops.
Where to Find this Bird
Cerulean Warblers breed in deciduous forests and live high up in the canopy. They can often be heard before they are seen as they make their buzzy calls. Due to their pension for living in the treetops, these birds can be difficult to see especially if the leaves have already grown in.
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Chestnut-sided Warblers have a gray and black mottled back, a black marking from their mouth to the back of their head, and a yellow cap. They have a white underside, white cheeks, and a namesake chestnut-colored stripe down their side. Females look similar but their colors aren’t quite as bright.
Range
Chestnut-sided Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, parts of Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring they move north, breeding in the northeastern United States as well as Canada, parts of the northern Midwest, and the Appalachian Mountains.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Chestnut-sided Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. In particular, they eat caterpillars and other larvae which they pick from leaves and branches.
Where to Find this Bird
Chestnut-sided Warblers breed in areas altered in some way (usually deciduous forest). Typically, these areas have been previously burned or logged and are in the process of regrowing. During migration, they can be found in a wide variety of habitats.
Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Common Yellowthroats have an olive-colored back, wings, and tail, and a yellow underside. They have a black mask with white above the black. Females lack the black mask and are grayer overall but still have a bright yellow throat.
Range
Common yellowthroats winter in Central America, Mexico, the Carribean, and parts of the southern United States. In spring, they move north into almost every part of the continental United States with the exception of some of the southwestern states. They also breed in southern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Common Yellowthroats feed on a variety of different insects as well as other small invertebrates.
Where to Find this Bird
Common Yellowthroats can be found in open areas such as brushy fields, marshes, oak savannas, and edge habitat. Since they stay hidden much of the time, listening for their rapid songs can be the best way to locate them. They sound like “wichity-wichity-wichity-wichity.”
Connecticut Warbler (Rare)
Connecticut Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Connecticut Warblers have a brown back, gray head, and yellow underside. They have black where their gray hood meets their chest but the amount of black varies depending on the individual. Females look similar but are slightly paler.
Range
Connecticut Warblers winter in northern South America and have a very limited range as they migrate north in spring, not encompassing nearly as much of the eastern U.S. as most other warbler species. They breed in the conifer forests of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Connecticut Warblers primarily feed on insects but will also eat fruits from time to time. These birds have a unique foraging habit as they walk along the ground looking for food as opposed to hopping. They may also forage higher in trees as well if that’s where the insects are.
Where to Find this Bird
Connecticut Warblers are notoriously difficult to get a look at due to their sulky nature. People living in the northern Midwest can take a trip to the boreal forests where they nest and listen for their songs. Otherwise, the best time to see them is during migration when they move through and get reported for a week or two. Look for a bird staying low to the ground, and you may get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these skulky birds.
Golden-winged Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Golden-winged Warblers have a gray back, a yellow cap, and a light underside. They also have a yellow wingbar on each wing, a black throat, and a black marking on their otherwise white colored face. Females look extremely similar but display a bit more yellow on their back.
Range
Golden-winged Warblers winter in the northwestern part of South America, Central America, and the southern part of Mexico. In spring they move north and breed in the northeastern part of the continental United States, the Midwest, and some parts of southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Golden-winged Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates that they search for amongst leaves and branches.
Where to Find this Bird
For many people in the United States, the best time to find Golden-winged Warblers is during migration. For people living in their breeding range, looking for semi open damp shrubby habitats and thickets can be a good way to find them. Listen for their songs that sound like “Bee buzz buzz buzz,” very similar to a Blue-winged Warbler but with extra buzzes at the end.
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Identification
Hooded Warblers have an olive-colored back, grayish wings, and a gray tail with lighter colored feathers on the outside of the tail. Their underside is bright yellow as well as their face, and they have a namesake black hood around their head to their chin. Females do not have a full hood but still show partial black coloration on the top of their head. These warblers have lighter colored feathers on the outsides of their tails that are visible in flight.
Range
Hooded Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, eastern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring they move north and breed in the southeastern United States. In terms of eastern warblers, Hooded Warblers do not move as far north to breed as many others do.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Hooded Warblers feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates either picking them from leaves or picking them from the ground.
Where to Find this Bird
Hooded Warblers breed in deciduous forests or mixed conifer forests. Look for them in the middle to lower parts of the dense forest. keep in mind however that they do spend some time high in the canopy as well.
Kentucky Warbler (Rare)
Kentucky Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Kentucky Warblers have a yellow-olive colored back and tail. Their underside is bright yellow, and they have distinctive black “teardrop” markings under their eyes. Males have a dark black cap while females have a dark gray cap.
Range
Kentucky Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, eastern Mexico and the Caribbean. In spring they move north into the eastern United States, but their breeding range does not include some of the more northern states in the region such as Michigan and Maine.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Kentucky Warblers eat insects and other small invertebrates such as spiders. They feed low to the ground and often times even on the ground, searching the substrate for prey. They will also eat some fruits.
Where to Find this Bird
Kentucky Warblers can be found in dense forests with thick bushes and understory. Due to their habitat, they can often be heard easier than they are seen. Their song actually sounds quite similar to that of the Carolina Wren.
Kirtland’s Warbler (Rare)
Identification
Kirtland’s Warblers have a gray back with darker gray to black mixed in. Their head is gray with dark black between the bill and the eye. They also sport white eye crescents. These birds have a bright yellow underside with dark streaking on the sides. Females look very similar but without as defined of a black marking near the eye and slightly paler underside.
Range
Kirtland’s Warbler winter in the Bahamas, moving north in the springtime and ending up in their localized breeding areas in Canada, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Kirtland’s Warblers feed primarily on insects but will also eat fruits and even search flowers for nectar.
Where to Find this Bird
Kirtland’s Warblers are sometimes considered to be the “holy grail” of eastern warblers. If you don’t live near their breeding areas, then getting lucky and seeing one during migration is probably your best bet. If you are in one of the few states they breed in, look for Jack Pines between 10 and 13 feet tall and listen for their song.
Louisiana Waterthrush (Uncommon)
Louisiana Waterthrush – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Louisiana Waterthrushes have a brown back, head, and wings along with a light cream-colored underside. They have dark streaking on their underside and a cream-colored eyebrow stripe. Another feature to note are their bubblegum pink legs.
Range
Louisiana Waterthrushes winter in northern South America, Central America, the Carribean, and parts of Mexico. In spring they move north, inhabiting much of the eastern United States during the breeding season.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
As their name would suggest, Louisiana Waterthrushes spend a lot of time foraging along the water. They feed on terrestrial and aquatic insects and invertebrates.
Where to Find this Bird
Louisiana Waterthrushes can be found along the edges of clear streams, especially in mature forests. Keep an eye out for a bird along the water’s edge bobbing its tail. They usually prefer quicker moving water than Northern Waterthrushes do.
Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Magnolia Warblers have a black back, black mask on their face, and a bright yellow underside with black streaking. They have white markings on their wings, a white lower eye crescent, a white eye-brow stripe, and a gray head. Female and immature birds have less black and show a white eye ring.
Range
Magnolia Warblers winter in Central America, southern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring they move north into the eastern United States and breed in southern Canada, the most northern states in the Midwest, and the Northeast.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Magnolia Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. In their breeding range, spruce budworm is a major food source.
Where to Find this Bird
During migration Magnolia Warblers can be found in forests, near streams, and in other areas frequented by migratory bird species. During the breeding season, these birds can be found in conifer and mixed conifer forests.
Mourning Warbler
Mourning Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Mourning Warblers have a bluish-gray head, olive-colored backs and wings, and yellow undersides. They have darker coloration by the base of their bill and eye. Males do not have an eye ring or eye crescents which helps to separate them from other species such as Nashville Warblers and Connecticut Warblers. Males also have a black bib on their chest. Female and immature birds lack the black bib and can show an eye ring which can be confusing when trying to make a correct identification.
Range
Mourning Warblers winter in northwestern South America and Central America. In spring, they move north into the northeastern United States and Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Mourning Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They forage lower in shrubs and bushes than many other warbler species and can also be seen along the ground searching for food as well.
Where to Find this Bird
Mourning Warblers can be found in forests that have a lot of understory growth. A lot of places they inhabit include areas that have been burned, logged, or otherwise disturbed by humans.
Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warber – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Nashville Warblers have a gray head, greenish-brown colored back, and yellow underside. Their chin is also yellow, and some other features of note are their bold white eye rings, and orangey color barely visible on the top of the males head. Females look very similar to the males but with colors that are slightly more muted. From beneath, these birds can be identified by their yellow chest, lighter almost white color near their legs, and their yellow undertail.
Range
Nashville Warblers winter in southern Mexico, western California, and some countries in Central America. In spring they spread far and wide across the United States ending up in their breeding areas in the northwestern, northeastern, and midwestern part of the state. They also breed in the southern parts of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Nashville Warblers primarily feed on insects which they usually find high in the treetops. Some have also been known to eat suet.
Where to Find this Bird
Nashville Warblers are said to forage in the middle parts of trees, but in my experience, they are one of the birds that usually spends most of their time fairly high up in the canopy.
Northern Parula
Northern Parula – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Northern Parulas have a blueish gray head, wings, and rump. They have a yellow back, white wing bars, and white eye crescents. They have a yellow throat and chest with males having dark red on their chest as well. The rest of their underside is white. Females look similar but are not quite as colorful and do not have red on their chest.
Range
Northern Parulas winter in parts of eastern Central America, southeastern Mexico, the Carribean, and parts of the southern United States such as Florida and South Texas. In spring, they move north into most of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Most of the Northern Parulas diet consists of insects and spiders but they also eat fruits, and nectar.
Where to Find this Bird
Northern Parulas tend to spend most of their time in the canopy in forested areas. Sometimes the best way to find them is to listen for their “zipper” songs.
Northern Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrush – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Northern Waterthrushes have a brown back, wings, head, and tail. They have a yellowish cream-colored underside with brown streaking and a yellowish cream-colored eyebrow stripe. Northern Waterthrushes generally have more underside streaking and are more yellowish in color than Louisiana Waterthrushes, but the two species can pose identification issues.
Range
Northern Waterthrushes winter in northern South America, Central America, much of Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring they move north inhabiting an impressive number of areas including the northeastern and midwestern United States, Canada, Alaska, and even parts of the northwestern U.S.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Waterthrushes eat a variety of insects and invertebrates both aquatic and terrestrial. They wade into the water and will eat larval insects such as caddisflies. They have also been known to eat small vertebrates such as fish.
Where to Find this Bird
During migration, Northern Waterthrushes can be found along a variety of different water sources including rivers, streams, and wetlands. During their breeding season, they spend most of their time in places with standing water such as damp forests. Look for a bird near the water’s edge or in thick underbrush bobbing its tail.
Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Orange-crowned Warblers can vary in coloration depending on region and maturity. Most of the time, they are a dull yellowish color with yellow undertail coverts and a rarely noticeable orange spot on the top of their head. However, in some regions and in immature birds, they can be grayer overall and look fairly similar to Tennessee Warblers. Orange-crowned Warblers have an eye ring that can be paler or more yellow which also depends on region and maturity.
Range
Orange-crowned Warblers winter in northern Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States, making them one of the more northern wintering warbler species. They also winter along the pacific coast of the continental United States. In spring, they move north, breeding in Canada, Alaska, and the western U.S.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Orange-crowned Warblers have one of the most varied diets of any warbler species. They eat insects and other small invertebrates, sap, berries, seeds, suet, and even nectar from flowers. They forage in all levels of vegetation from near the forest floor to the canopy.
Where to Find this Bird
Orange-crowned Warblers will be in slightly different habitats depending on the time of the year and region. In the east, they are most easily found during migration in usual migrant stopovers. In winter, look for them in areas with thick vegetation such as woods and scrubby thickets.
Ovenbird
Ovenbird – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Ovenbirds have a reddish-brown back, wings, tail, and head, a white underside with black streaking, and a bold white eye ring. They have two black stripes on their crown with a thicker orange stripe in between.
Range
Ovenbirds winter in northern South America, Central America, Mexico, the Carribean, and Florida. In spring, the move north, breeding in the northeastern, and midwestern United States, as well as parts of eastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Ovenbirds feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates. They are known for being adaptable with their food sources and will alter their feeding style and food sources to match with what is most abundant at the time. They will even sometimes eat seeds. Most of the time they tend to forage along the ground but will also feed in bushes and trees.
Where to Find this Bird
In their breeding areas, Ovenbirds are very vocal and can be tracked down by their loud songs. Look for a bird moving along the ground when in large forests but do note that they may also be up higher in the canopy as well.
Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Palm Warblers have a rufous colored cap, a yellow eyebrow stripe, brown wings, and a brown tail. Their throat is yellow, and their underside is varying degrees of yellow depending on the subspecies. Some other notable features are their yellow rump and yellow undertail. It’s not just the look of this species that can help identify it but also the behavior. Palm Warblers are known for bobbing their tail similar to waterthrushes, this can be a useful diagnostic clue in the field.
Range
Palm Warblers winter in Central America, western Mexico, the Caribbean, the southeastern United States, and oddly enough, western California. In spring they move north into the eastern United States and Canada. Some of the states in the continental U.S. that these birds breed in include Maine, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Palm Warblers feed primarily on insects, but will also eat seeds and some fruits including berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Palm Warblers are different than many other warblers as they are not relegated to trees and thick vegetation. They will often forage along the ground and oftentimes associate more with sparrows than with other warblers.
Pine Warbler
Pine Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Pine Warblers have an olive-yellow colored head and back along with a bright yellow throat. They have gray wings with white wing bars, and a white back part of their underside. Another feature to note is their yellow eye ring. Females look very similar but are slightly paler.
Range
Pine Warblers winter in the southeastern United States and some of the islands in the Carribean. In spring, some stay in these areas to breed, but others move north, inhabiting most of the eastern United States and just barely reaching into southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Pine Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They will also eat berries and seeds, making them one of the handful of warblers that will actually over winter in colder climates and visit bird feeders.
Where to Find this Bird
During migration, Pine Warblers can be seen along with other warblers in a variety of different habitats. When in their breeding areas, they live in pine and mixed pine forests where they can be heard making a trilling call that sounds very similar to a Chipping Sparrow.
Prairie Warbler (Rare)
Prairie Warbler
Identification
Prairie Warblers have an olive-yellow colored head, dark gray wings, and a chestnut-colored patch on their back. Their throat and underside are bright yellow with black streaking. On their face they have a black and yellow pattern distinctive to the species. Female and immature birds look similar but with a grayer head and face along with more muted colors.
Range
Prairie Warblers winter in parts of Central America, the Carribean, and Florida. In spring they move north into much of the eastern United States but don’t end up nearly as far north as other eastern warbler species with only small pockets of their range being in the Midwest and Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Prairie Warblers feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. They will also consume some fruits and other plants.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Prairie Warblers in shrubby areas without dense canopy. These may include burned forests, recently logged forests or simply more scrubby areas with few large trees. Listen for their song that sounds like an ascending buzz.
Prothonotary Warbler (Uncommon)
Prothonotary Warbler
Identification
Prothonotary Warblers have an olive-colored back, gray wings, and a bright glowing yellow head and body.
Range
Prothonotary Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, eastern Mexico, parts of the Carribean, and some states in the southeastern U.S. In spring they move into the eastern United States where they do not make it as far north as many other eastern warblers.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Prothonotary Warblers have diets that vary depending on the time of the year. During breeding season, they eat insects, and other invertebrates. During the nonbreeding season fruits and seeds make up a larger portion of their diet.
Where to Find this Bird
Prothonotary Warblers are sometimes known as “Swamp Warblers” because of the habitats they typically reside in. Look for these birds in swamps, flooded forests, and sometimes even marshes.
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warbler – Photo by USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Identification
Male Yellow Warblers are bright yellow with grayish-yellow wings and reddish-brown streaking on their chest and underside. Females look similar but aren’t quite as brightly colored and lack the streaking on their underside.
Range
Yellow Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, parts of Mexico, the Carribean, and even a few states in the southern United States. In spring, they move north and inhabit just about every part of North America including almost all of Canada and even Alaska.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Yellow Warblers are insectivores and actively hunt for prey, searching through leaves and branches to find a meal.
Where to Find this Bird
Yellow Warblers can be found in open areas. Some habitats to look for them in are marshes, shrubby fields, forest edges, and oak savannas.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler
Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Also called “butterbutts,” the Yellow-rumped Warbler is known for a patch of yellow that can be seen right above its tail. They also have yellow patches right below their wings on their sides. Males will have a black mask, white throat and overall gray and black coloration. Females look similar to males with more brown on the top of their head and back.
In the western part of North America, Yellow-rumped Warblers are slightly different looking and have a yellow throat. This subspecies is known as the “Audubon’s” subspecies. The eastern subspecies is known as the “Myrtle” subspecies.
Range
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is one of the most common warblers in North America. Their wintering range covers many of the southern and western states and their migratory path goes through the central and eastern U.S. In Summer, they spend most of their time in Canada, some of the northern U.S. and parts of the west.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
The Yellow-rumped Warblers diet consists mostly of insects during the summer, including caterpillars, ants, grasshoppers, and spiders. During winter, their diet consists mostly of fruits. They have also been known to eat seeds. When foraging, they can be seen in any part of a tree, on the ground, or picking off bugs and returning to the same branch, much like a flycatcher. In winter, they form large flocks of almost exclusively other Yellow-rumped Warblers, but during the spring and winter, they can be found in mixed foraging groups.
Where to Find this Bird
In most states in the U.S., Yellow-rumped Warblers are common in the spring and fall while migrating through and are often seen near water.
Yellow-throated Warbler (Rare)
Yellow-throated Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Yellow-throated Warblers have a grayish-blue back, head, and tail. They have dark wings with two wing bars. They have white markings above their eye and black by their eye going down the sides of their bright yellow namesake throat. These birds have a white underside with some black streaking and a white eye crescent on the lower part of their eye.
Range
Yellow-throated Warblers winter in Central America, parts of Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of the southern United States. In spring they head north, breeding in the southeastern United States and as far north as Ohio and southern Wisconsin.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Yellow-throated Warblers are insectivorous and will scour branches and conifer cones. They will also stake out flowers to pick off the insects that are attracted.
Where to Find this Bird
Yellow-throated Warblers operate in a similar way to Black-and-white Warblers climbing around tree branches. they tend to stick to the high canopy of trees however so seeing them can be a challenging task. In my personal experience, during migration this species can be seen lower to the ground while they forage.
Tennessee Warbler
Tennessee Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Tennessee Warblers have a grayish-blue head, a greenish-yellow back and wings, and a light-colored underside. Females have a more yellow colored head, and both males and females have a light-colored stripe above their eye and white undertail coverts (an important feature to differentiate them from Orange-crowned Warblers).
Range
Tennessee Warblers winter in northeastern South America, Central America, southern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring, they move north into some of the most northern states in the continental U.S. and much of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Tennessee Warblers feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. During summer, caterpillars make up a massive part of their diet as well as spruce budworms. During the nonbreeding season they also feed on fruit and nectar from flowers.
Where to Find this Bird
Since Tennessee Warblers breed relatively far north in the continent, the best time for many people to see them is during migration. Whether during migration or on their breeding grounds, look for these birds foraging high up in the canopy flitting around the ends of branches.
Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Wilson’s Warblers have an olive-colored back, grayish wings, and a yellow body. Males have a black cap on the top of their head which female and immature birds lack.
Range
Wilson’s Warblers winter in Central America, parts of Mexico, Baja California, and some states in the southern U.S. In spring, they move north, breeding in Canada, Alaska, the northwestern United States, and the most northeastern parts of New England.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Wilson’s Warblers feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. They will also lap up honeydew which is a sugary substance secreted by some types of insects.
Where to Find this Bird
Wilson’s Warblers tend to reside in areas with thick understory. They will occupy forest edges as well, particularly near streams or other water sources.
Worm-eating Warbler (Rare)
Worm-eating Warbler – Photo by Susan Young
Identification
Worm-eating Warblers have an olive-brown back, tan underside, and stripes on their head. They have a very long distinctive looking bill. In all, there aren’t any other warbler species in eastern North America that at all resemble this species.
Range
Worm-eating Warblers winter in Central America, southeastern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring, they move north into the southeastern United States. Out of all eastern warbler species, Worm-eating Warblers are among some of the most southern nesting, not typically making it very high into the Midwest or the Northeast.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Worm-eating Warblers do not actually readily consume worms, but do eat caterpillars, insects, spiders, and slugs. The name may come from their preference for caterpillars that are sometimes colloquially called “worms.”
Where to Find this Bird
Worm-eating Warblers reside in thick, dense forests and stay low near the forest floor which make them challenging to see. Listen for their trill-y calls that sound very similar to Pine Warblers and Chipping Sparrows.
Summary
Warblers are always a major highlight during migration and serve as something to look forward to every year. We hope this post has helped answer some questions about these beautiful and energetic birds.
Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be found in Connecticut (one significantly rarer than the other), and they both look similar with a few noticeable differences.
Northern Shrike
Northern Shrike
Identification
Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.
The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.
Where to Find this Bird
Northern Shrikes are almost exclusively found in Indiana in winter. They can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural.
Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter
Loggerhead Shrike (Rare)
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.
Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range
Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year-round in many parts of Southern North America, and move further north in their breeding season, going as far as parts of Southern Canada. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year-round.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences.
Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Vireos are small, quick moving birds that can sometimes be difficult to get a look at. Most of them migrate in springtime right along with the warblers, and most have distinctive songs and calls. In Kentucky, there are seven vireo species that move through the state with some being very common and others being rarer. Here is everything you need to know about those seven species.
Bell’s Vireo
Bell’s Vireo – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Bell’s Vireos have a sandy colored back and wings, gray head, and light-colored underside. The top of their head is darker than the rest of their body, they have white wing bars, and white around their eye. They do look pretty similar to Warbling Vireos and oftentimes the best way for beginners to identify them is by song to be certain.
Range
Bell’s Vireos winter on the western coast of Central America, Mexico, and Baja California. In spring, they move north spending the summer in Central Mexico, the southeastern United States, and parts of the midwestern United States as far east as Ohio.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Bell’s Vireos are active feeders, taking insects and spiders from leaves and branches. They also eat some berries but most of their diet is small invertebrates.
Where to Find This Bird
Bell’s Vireos can be found in scrubby areas with thick underbrush. They are not typically found in forests or areas with many large trees but will occur in areas with some. Listen for their calls which sound like a distinctive “Cheedle cheedle chee cheedle cheedle chu.”
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue-headed Vireos
Identification
The aptly named Blue-headed Vireo has a grayish-blue head, a white eye ring, an olive-colored back and wings, and with white wing bars. They have a light underside with yellowish sides.
Range
Blue-headed Vireos winter in Central America, eastern Mexico, and the southwestern United States. In spring they spread north through the eastern U.S. and into their breeding areas in the northeastern U.S. and southern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Blue-headed Vireos feed on a variety of different insects including larva such as caterpillars. They also eat spiders and some fruits. Blue-headed Vireos are fairly active hunters, usually searching out prey from near the tree trunks. They will actively chase after food items too.
Where to Find This Bird
Blue-headed Vireos inhabit many different types of forests including deciduous and coniferous. Unlike many other eastern vireo species, Blue-headed Vireos do not shy away from stands of evergreens to breed in. During migration, they make stop overs in insect rich areas such as trees and bushes lining streams and rivers.
Philadelphia Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Philadelphia Vireos have a brownish gray cap, back, and wings. They have a yellow throat and underside. There is more of a contrast between their cap and the rest of the face and underside than other similar looking vireo species such as Warbling and Bell’s. They have white striping around their eye.
Range
Philadelphia Vireos winter in Central America and southern Mexico. In spring, they move north to their breeding areas all across southern Canada and in some of the most northern parts of the midwestern and northeastern United States.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Philadelphia Vireos eat a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. Some common prey items include caterpillars and spiders. They will also eat some fruits.
Where to Find This Bird
Philadelphia Vireos can be found in forested areas, near rivers, and in places with thick underbrush. For people living in the continental United States, the best time to see this species is usually during migration where hey mix in with other small birds.
Red-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Identification
Red-eyed Vireos have an olive-colored back, a light underside, a grayish blue cap, and a light-colored eye stripe edged in darker blue to black. They have a namesake red eye that sets them apart from most other vireo species in United States.
Range
Red-eyed Vireos winter in northern South America, then move north into the continental United States and Canada to spend the summer. In the U.S., this species inhabits most of the midwestern and eastern states. They also summer in every state bordering Canada, even Washington.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red-eyed Vireos have diets that vary depending on the time of year. In summer they feed primarily on insects, while other times of the year they eat more plant matter and fruit.
Where to Find This Bird
Red-eyed Vireos can be found in forested areas consisting of deciduous or mixed deciduous trees. When the trees are leafy, they are easier to hear than they are to see as they spend much of their time up in the canopy.
Warbling Vireo
Warbling Vireo – Photo by Yellowstone National Park
Identification
Warbling Vireos have a brown back, head, and wings. Their underside is a yellowish cream color, and they have a white stripe above and below their eye.
Range
Warbling Vireos spend the winter in Central America and southern Mexico. In spring they move north into most of the continental United States and western Canada where they spend the summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Warbling vireos are insectivores and eat a variety of beetles, flies, and caterpillars. They forage high up in trees and pick prey off of leaves and branches.
Where to Find This Bird
Warbling Vireos are most often found in deciduous woods or even just stands of deciduous trees. Since they usually forage high up in trees, the easiest way to locate one is often times to hear them singing. The song of the Warbling Vireo is very bubbly and sounds like one long run-on sentence.
White-eyed Vireo
White-eyed Vireo – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
White-eyed Vireos have a gray head, an olive green back, two white wing bars on each side, and a light underside with a yellow wash. One of their most distinctive features is their white eye. They also have yellow on their face from the base of their bill over their eye.
Range
White-eyed Vireos winter in some of the northern Central American countries, Eastern Mexico, and the southeastern United States. They move north in the spring and reside in most of the northeastern states south of Wisconsin and Michigan. White-eyed Vireos are very common in the states in the southeastern U.S. and are rare visitors in northern states in the Midwest and Northeast.
Diet and Foraging Habits
White-eyed Vireos eat a wide variety of insects including moths, caterpillars, beetles, and pretty much anything small enough for them to catch and consume. Their diet also consists of some fruits as well.
Where to Find This Bird
White-eyed Vireos reside in places with thicker understories including near streams and rivers, overgrown field edges, and deciduous or mixed woods. Look for this species moving quickly through bushes and shrubs from around 6 to 12 feet off the ground.
Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Identification
Yellow-throated Vireos have a yellow head, face, and of course throat. Their throat is a brighter color of yellow than the rest of their head which is darker, and they have brighter yellow around their eye as well. The back and wings of this species are gray, and they have a white underside. Overall, they are very sporty looking birds.
Range
Yellow-throated Vireos winter in northern South America, Central America, southern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring, they move north into most of the eastern United States and some of the southeastern parts of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Yellow-throated Vireos eat insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally plant matter such as seeds and fruits. They tend to forage higher up in trees than other species.
Where to Find This Bird
Yellow-throated Vireos can be found in deciduous forests where they can be found around gaps and forest edges. Their preferred habitats tend to be larger forests as opposed to small groves of trees. Look for this species in the mid to high canopy foraging and dinging.
Summary
Vireos are small and quick moving birds that can be enjoyable to view and sometimes tricky to identify. We hope that this post has helped to answer some questions about the Vireos of Kentucky.
Warblers are vibrant, small, colorful birds that are a major highlight of spring migration. Michigan is home to a wide variety of Warbler species. Some of them breed in Michigan while others just pass through. Here is everything you need to know about the warblers of Michigan.
American Redstart
Male American Redstart – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Female American Redstart – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Male American Redstarts have a black head, wings, back, and tail. They also have black on their chest and an otherwise white underside. While the black color on these birds is certainly spiffy, their most defining feature is their orange color on their sides, wings, and tail. Females look quite different having a gray head, light underside, brownish back, wings, and tail, and the orange of the male is exchanged with yellow in the same places. Females also have a white eye ring.
Range
American Redstarts winter in northern South America, Central America, the Caribbean, southern Mexico, Baja California, and Southern California. In spring, they not only spread out through the eastern United States but also much of the western United States. They breed in most of the eastern United States and much of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
American Redstarts are very active foragers and will catch prey in flight more than most other warbler species. They feed mostly on insects but will also eat fruits such as berries.
Where to Find this Bird
American Redstarts can be found mostly in deciduous forests during their breeding season. They tend to live and forage in the middle to high parts of the canopy. During spring migration it’s more common to see them lower down, especially around streams actively searching for food.
Bay-breasted Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Male Bay-breasted Warblers are extremely unique looking warblers with a reddish-brown (bay) colored cap, chin, and sides, a cream colored back of the neck, gray and black striped back, and white wing bars. Males also have a dark black mask over their eyes. Females look nothing like the males, having mostly gray backs and wings with lighter colored undersides. They do still have the white wing bars and show light striping on their back.
Range
Bay-breasted Warblers winter in northern South America, some countries in Central America, and the Caribbean. In spring, they move up into the eastern United States, eventually ending up in Canada and some of the most northern states in the continental U.S. such as Maine and northern Minnesota.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Bay-breasted Warblers primarily feed on insects (particularly the larvae and pupae of spruce budworm) but will also feed on some fruits as well.
Where to Find this Bird
For people in the United States, Bay-breasted Warblers are easiest to see during migration. They tend to forage in the middle parts of trees but during migration will drop down a bit lower than when they’re on their breeding grounds.
Black-and-white Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler – Photo by Wayne National Forest
Identification
Black-and-white Warblers are white with complex black striping. They have the most black on their wings and tail along with stripes on their head and underside. Males have a darker black patch on the side of their face than females as well as a black chin which females lack. Both males and females have white eye rings.
Range
Black-and-white Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and some of the southern states in the US. In spring they move north, breeding in many of the eastern states and much of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-and-white Warblers feed mostly on insects and other small invertebrates. They forage in a fashion similar to that of nuthatches, clinging to trees and inspecting crevices in branches. Unlike Brown Creepers which at first glance can look similar to Black-and-white Warblers, these birds move any and all directions as they forage whereas Brown Creepers only go up the tree.
Where to Find this Bird
Black-and-white Warblers can be found in mixed forest throughout the year. In some parts of their wintering areas they will be in more tropical forests, but they also winter in areas like South Texas. The best way to spot them is to look for a bird working tree trunks and branches.
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Male Black-throated Blue Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Female Black-throated Blue
Identification
Male Black-throated Blue Warblers are very distinctive with a deep blue back, dark gray to black wings, black on the face, chin, and sides, and a clean white underside. They also have a noticeable patch of white on each wing. Females are drastically different with buff-y coloration on the body and darker gray to brown on the head and wings. They also have a pale eye stripe and a hint of blue on their wings and head.
Range
Black-throated Blue Warblers winter in Central America, parts of eastern Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands. In spring they move north through the eastern United States ending up in their breeding locations in southeastern Canada, New England, parts of the northern Midwest, and the Appalachian Mountains.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-throated Blue Warblers feed mostly on insects but will also eat some fruits. Like all warblers they are active foragers.
Where to Find this Bird
During their time in North America, Black-throated Blue Warblers can be found in deciduous or mixed coniferous forests. They are often seen foraging lower in the canopy but not usually on the ground.
Black-throated Gray Warbler (Rare)
Black-throated Gray Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierier
Identification
Black-throated Gray Warblers have a gray back, wings, and tail. Their head and face are white and black striped. As their name would suggest, this species has a black throat that is more prominent in males than females. Both males and females have a white underside with black streaks on their sides. Another interesting field mark is a golden-yellow spot between their bill and eye.
Range
Black-throated gray Warblers winter in western Mexico and Baja California. In spring, they move north into the western United States and the most southwestern parts of Canada. They have been known to stray from their normal range during migration and are spotted in states farther east than expected on an annual basis.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-throated Gray Warblers are very deliberate in the way they forage for food, slowly moving around shrubs, leaves, and branches looking for insects and spiders.
Where to Find this Bird
Black-throated Gray Warblers can be found in open conifer forests where they tend to forage in the middle parts of trees. During migration they can show up in a variety of different habitats.
Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler – Alan Schmierer
Identification
Black-throated Green Warblers have a yellowish green back with the same color on the top of the head and the cheeks. The rest of their face is a brighter yellow. These birds have gray wings with white wing bars. Males have a dark black throat with black streaking on their sides. Females have less black on their throat. Both males and females have white undersides and yellow near their undertail.
Range
Black-throated Green Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, parts of Mexico, the Carribean, and the most southern parts of Florida. In spring, they move north into the northeastern United States, southeastern Canada, and the Appalachian Mountain states.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-throated Green Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. During nonbreeding season, they will also eat buds and fruits.
Where to Find this Bird
Black-throated Green Warblers reside in a variety of different types of forests where they are usually found higher up in the treetops. Fortunately, these birds have a very distinctive song, sounding like “zee zee zee zu zee.”
Blackburnian Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler – Photo by Kevin Bolton
Identification
Blackburnian Warblers are among the most beautiful warblers. Males have a black back and wings with white markings on the wings and just behind the neck. Their underside is white with some black streaks, but its their face that really stands out. In addition to a black pattern that goes over the eye and on the forehead, these birds have a gradient mix of yellow and orange. Female and immature males have a grayer back and show duller colored facial patterns as well as duller yellow on the face and chest.
Range
Blackburnian Warblers winter in northern and northeastern South America. During spring they move into the United States and Canada to breed, ending up in the northeastern states, midwestern states, and states around the Appalachian Mountains.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Blackburnian Warblers eat various insects (particularly spruce budworms) as well as other invertebrates that they actively search for.
Where to Find this Bird
Blackburnian Warblers are generally found high up in the canopy where the males orangey-yellow throat is visible. They breed in coniferous and mixed coniferous forests. Oftentimes, to get a good look at one, the best time is during migration when they will occasionally come down lower in the branches to feed.
Blackpoll Warbler
Male Blackpoll Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Male Blackpoll Warblers have have a black cap, gray, black, and white striped back, and hints of yellow on their wings. They have a white underside with black streaking, and a white cheek. Females look extremely different, sporting a mostly gray body with a darker colored head, back, and wings. They also have a tinge of yellow on their wings and head. Both males and females have distinctive orange legs, unique among warblers.
Range
Blackpoll Warblers winter in northern South America and migrate all the way into Canada and Alaska to breed, making their way through the eastern United States in the spring and fall.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Blackpoll Warblers eat mostly insects and other small invertebrates, but will also eat fruit, particularly during fall. These birds usually feed around five feet or more off the ground.
Where to Find this Bird
Blackpoll Warblers breed extremely far north in Canada and Alaska, so the best time to find them is during migration. Look for them in the middle to high parts of trees in usual places where warblers turn up such as streams, parks, and woodlands.
Blue-winged Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Blue-winged Warblers are yellow with a thin, black stripe over their eyes. They have two white wing bars on their wings that are grayer than they are blue. The same color on their wings is also on their tail and their undertail is significantly paler than their underside.
Range
Blue-winged Warblers winter in Central America, the Carribean, and eastern Mexico. in spring they move into the eastern United States, spending the summer in the more northern part of the eastern U.S.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Blue-winged Warblers are very active foragers, moving in a way similar to chickadees. They feed on insects as well as other small invertebrates.
Where to Find this Bird
Blue-winged Warblers breed along forest edges, in thickets and scrub, along with more open wooded areas. They can be located by listening for their distinctive “bee-buzz” call.
Canada Warbler
Canada Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Canada Warblers have a slate gray head, back, wings, and tail. Their underside is bright yellow, and they have a black “necklace” on their chest. They have black coloring on their face as well and sport a bold, white eye ring. Females look very similar to the males but don’t have nearly much black on their chest.
Range
Canada Warblers winter in northwestern South America and southern Central America. In spring, they move north, breeding in southern Canada, the northeastern United States, and some of the Appalachian Mountain states.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Canada Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates which they actively hunt for. They will take flying insects on the wing.
Where to Find this Bird
Canada Warblers are most easy to find during migration when they show up along with other small migratory birds in typical warbler habitats such as forests and along rivers and streams. In the breeding season, these birds tend to gravitate toward forests with a lot of moss and ground cover such as ferns. They can be seen moving around lower in the trees but not usually on the ground.
Cape May Warbler
Cape May Warbler – Photo by Susan Young
Identification
Cape May Warblers have a yellowish gray back and wings, white wing bars, and a yellow underside with dark streaking. The most distinctive feature of these birds is their head and face. They have a dark cap, yellow chin and nape of the neck, and reddish cheeks. Females look similar but are duller in coloration.
Range
Cape May Warblers winter in Central America, parts of eastern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring, they move north into the eastern United States. They end up breeding in Canada and some of the most northern states in the Midwest.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Cape May Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates, especially spruce budworm. They will also eat nectar from flowers and hummingbird feeders in addition to berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Cape May Warblers breed in conifer forests, particularly spruce and fir. During migration they show up in a wide variety of locations. Search for them in places other warblers and migratory species frequent.
Cerulean Warbler
Male Cerulean Warbler
Identification
Male Cerulean Warblers are incredibly beautiful with a brilliant blue back and wings, white underside, and blue “necklace.” They have a white chin, blue striping on the flanks, and some black mixed in on their wings and tail. An additional feature to note are their two white wing bars. Females look something like a male that was washed in yellow. They have a greenish blue head, back, and rump. Females have wing bars too, but they are more yellowish than the clean white of the males.
Range
Cerulean Warblers winer in the northern and northeastern parts of South America. In spring, they migrate north to their breeding areas in the eastern United States. They do not breed as far north as many other warbler species, only just barely making it into Canada in the Great Lakes region.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Cerulean Warblers primarily feed on insects which they pick from leaves and branches in the treetops.
Where to Find this Bird
Cerulean Warblers breed in deciduous forests and live high up in the canopy. They can often be heard before they are seen as they make their buzzy calls. Due to their pension for living in the treetops, these birds can be difficult to see especially if the leaves have already grown in.
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Chestnut-sided Warblers have a gray and black mottled back, a black marking from their mouth to the back of their head, and a yellow cap. They have a white underside, white cheeks, and a namesake chestnut-colored stripe down their side. Females look similar but their colors aren’t quite as bright.
Range
Chestnut-sided Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, parts of Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring they move north, breeding in the northeastern United States as well as Canada, parts of the northern Midwest, and the Appalachian Mountains.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Chestnut-sided Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. In particular, they eat caterpillars and other larvae which they pick from leaves and branches.
Where to Find this Bird
Chestnut-sided Warblers breed in areas altered in some way (usually deciduous forest). Typically, these areas have been previously burned or logged and are in the process of regrowing. During migration, they can be found in a wide variety of habitats.
Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Common Yellowthroats have an olive-colored back, wings, and tail, and a yellow underside. They have a black mask with white above the black. Females lack the black mask and are grayer overall but still have a bright yellow throat.
Range
Common yellowthroats winter in Central America, Mexico, the Carribean, and parts of the southern United States. In spring, they move north into almost every part of the continental United States with the exception of some of the southwestern states. They also breed in southern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Common Yellowthroats feed on a variety of different insects as well as other small invertebrates.
Where to Find this Bird
Common Yellowthroats can be found in open areas such as brushy fields, marshes, oak savannas, and edge habitat. Since they stay hidden much of the time, listening for their rapid songs can be the best way to locate them. They sound like “wichity-wichity-wichity-wichity.”
Connecticut Warbler (Rare)
Connecticut Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Connecticut Warblers have a brown back, gray head, and yellow underside. They have black where their gray hood meets their chest but the amount of black varies depending on the individual. Females look similar but are slightly paler.
Range
Connecticut Warblers winter in northern South America and have a very limited range as they migrate north in spring, not encompassing nearly as much of the eastern U.S. as most other warbler species. They breed in the conifer forests of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Connecticut Warblers primarily feed on insects but will also eat fruits from time to time. These birds have a unique foraging habit as they walk along the ground looking for food as opposed to hopping. They may also forage higher in trees as well if that’s where the insects are.
Where to Find this Bird
Connecticut Warblers are notoriously difficult to get a look at due to their sulky nature. People living in the northern Midwest can take a trip to the boreal forests where they nest and listen for their songs. Otherwise, the best time to see them is during migration when they move through and get reported for a week or two. Look for a bird staying low to the ground, and you may get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these skulky birds.
Golden-winged Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Golden-winged Warblers have a gray back, a yellow cap, and a light underside. They also have a yellow wingbar on each wing, a black throat, and a black marking on their otherwise white colored face. Females look extremely similar but display a bit more yellow on their back.
Range
Golden-winged Warblers winter in the northwestern part of South America, Central America, and the southern part of Mexico. In spring they move north and breed in the northeastern part of the continental United States, the Midwest, and some parts of southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Golden-winged Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates that they search for amongst leaves and branches.
Where to Find this Bird
For many people in the United States, the best time to find Golden-winged Warblers is during migration. For people living in their breeding range, looking for semi open damp shrubby habitats and thickets can be a good way to find them. Listen for their songs that sound like “Bee buzz buzz buzz,” very similar to a Blue-winged Warbler but with extra buzzes at the end.
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Identification
Hooded Warblers have an olive-colored back, grayish wings, and a gray tail with lighter colored feathers on the outside of the tail. Their underside is bright yellow as well as their face, and they have a namesake black hood around their head to their chin. Females do not have a full hood but still show partial black coloration on the top of their head. These warblers have lighter colored feathers on the outsides of their tails that are visible in flight.
Range
Hooded Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, eastern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring they move north and breed in the southeastern United States. In terms of eastern warblers, Hooded Warblers do not move as far north to breed as many others do.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Hooded Warblers feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates either picking them from leaves or picking them from the ground.
Where to Find this Bird
Hooded Warblers breed in deciduous forests or mixed conifer forests. Look for them in the middle to lower parts of the dense forest. keep in mind however that they do spend some time high in the canopy as well.
Kentucky Warbler (Rare)
Kentucky Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Kentucky Warblers have a yellow-olive colored back and tail. Their underside is bright yellow, and they have distinctive black “teardrop” markings under their eyes. Males have a dark black cap while females have a dark gray cap.
Range
Kentucky Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, eastern Mexico and the Caribbean. In spring they move north into the eastern United States, but their breeding range does not include some of the more northern states in the region such as Michigan and Maine.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Kentucky Warblers eat insects and other small invertebrates such as spiders. They feed low to the ground and often times even on the ground, searching the substrate for prey. They will also eat some fruits.
Where to Find this Bird
Kentucky Warblers can be found in dense forests with thick bushes and understory. Due to their habitat, they can often be heard easier than they are seen. Their song actually sounds quite similar to that of the Carolina Wren.
Kirtland’s Warbler (Rare)
Identification
Kirtland’s Warblers have a gray back with darker gray to black mixed in. Their head is gray with dark black between the bill and the eye. They also sport white eye crescents. These birds have a bright yellow underside with dark streaking on the sides. Females look very similar but without as defined of a black marking near the eye and slightly paler underside.
Range
Kirtland’s Warbler winter in the Bahamas, moving north in the springtime and ending up in their localized breeding areas in Canada, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Kirtland’s Warblers feed primarily on insects but will also eat fruits and even search flowers for nectar.
Where to Find this Bird
Kirtland’s Warblers are sometimes considered to be the “holy grail” of eastern warblers. If you don’t live near their breeding areas, then getting lucky and seeing one during migration is probably your best bet. If you are in one of the few states they breed in, look for Jack Pines between 10 and 13 feet tall and listen for their song.
Louisiana Waterthrush (Uncommon)
Louisiana Waterthrush – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Louisiana Waterthrushes have a brown back, head, and wings along with a light cream-colored underside. They have dark streaking on their underside and a cream-colored eyebrow stripe. Another feature to note are their bubblegum pink legs.
Range
Louisiana Waterthrushes winter in northern South America, Central America, the Carribean, and parts of Mexico. In spring they move north, inhabiting much of the eastern United States during the breeding season.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
As their name would suggest, Louisiana Waterthrushes spend a lot of time foraging along the water. They feed on terrestrial and aquatic insects and invertebrates.
Where to Find this Bird
Louisiana Waterthrushes can be found along the edges of clear streams, especially in mature forests. Keep an eye out for a bird along the water’s edge bobbing its tail. They usually prefer quicker moving water than Northern Waterthrushes do.
Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Magnolia Warblers have a black back, black mask on their face, and a bright yellow underside with black streaking. They have white markings on their wings, a white lower eye crescent, a white eye-brow stripe, and a gray head. Female and immature birds have less black and show a white eye ring.
Range
Magnolia Warblers winter in Central America, southern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring they move north into the eastern United States and breed in southern Canada, the most northern states in the Midwest, and the Northeast.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Magnolia Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. In their breeding range, spruce budworm is a major food source.
Where to Find this Bird
During migration Magnolia Warblers can be found in forests, near streams, and in other areas frequented by migratory bird species. During the breeding season, these birds can be found in conifer and mixed conifer forests.
Mourning Warbler
Mourning Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Mourning Warblers have a bluish-gray head, olive-colored backs and wings, and yellow undersides. They have darker coloration by the base of their bill and eye. Males do not have an eye ring or eye crescents which helps to separate them from other species such as Nashville Warblers and Connecticut Warblers. Males also have a black bib on their chest. Female and immature birds lack the black bib and can show an eye ring which can be confusing when trying to make a correct identification.
Range
Mourning Warblers winter in northwestern South America and Central America. In spring, they move north into the northeastern United States and Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Mourning Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They forage lower in shrubs and bushes than many other warbler species and can also be seen along the ground searching for food as well.
Where to Find this Bird
Mourning Warblers can be found in forests that have a lot of understory growth. A lot of places they inhabit include areas that have been burned, logged, or otherwise disturbed by humans.
Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warber – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Nashville Warblers have a gray head, greenish-brown colored back, and yellow underside. Their chin is also yellow, and some other features of note are their bold white eye rings, and orangey color barely visible on the top of the males head. Females look very similar to the males but with colors that are slightly more muted. From beneath, these birds can be identified by their yellow chest, lighter almost white color near their legs, and their yellow undertail.
Range
Nashville Warblers winter in southern Mexico, western California, and some countries in Central America. In spring they spread far and wide across the United States ending up in their breeding areas in the northwestern, northeastern, and midwestern part of the state. They also breed in the southern parts of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Nashville Warblers primarily feed on insects which they usually find high in the treetops. Some have also been known to eat suet.
Where to Find this Bird
Nashville Warblers are said to forage in the middle parts of trees, but in my experience, they are one of the birds that usually spends most of their time fairly high up in the canopy.
Northern Parula
Northern Parula – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Northern Parulas have a blueish gray head, wings, and rump. They have a yellow back, white wing bars, and white eye crescents. They have a yellow throat and chest with males having dark red on their chest as well. The rest of their underside is white. Females look similar but are not quite as colorful and do not have red on their chest.
Range
Northern Parulas winter in parts of eastern Central America, southeastern Mexico, the Carribean, and parts of the southern United States such as Florida and South Texas. In spring, they move north into most of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Most of the Northern Parulas diet consists of insects and spiders but they also eat fruits, and nectar.
Where to Find this Bird
Northern Parulas tend to spend most of their time in the canopy in forested areas. Sometimes the best way to find them is to listen for their “zipper” songs.
Northern Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrush – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Northern Waterthrushes have a brown back, wings, head, and tail. They have a yellowish cream-colored underside with brown streaking and a yellowish cream-colored eyebrow stripe. Northern Waterthrushes generally have more underside streaking and are more yellowish in color than Louisiana Waterthrushes, but the two species can pose identification issues.
Range
Northern Waterthrushes winter in northern South America, Central America, much of Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring they move north inhabiting an impressive number of areas including the northeastern and midwestern United States, Canada, Alaska, and even parts of the northwestern U.S.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Waterthrushes eat a variety of insects and invertebrates both aquatic and terrestrial. They wade into the water and will eat larval insects such as caddisflies. They have also been known to eat small vertebrates such as fish.
Where to Find this Bird
During migration, Northern Waterthrushes can be found along a variety of different water sources including rivers, streams, and wetlands. During their breeding season, they spend most of their time in places with standing water such as damp forests. Look for a bird near the water’s edge or in thick underbrush bobbing its tail.
Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Orange-crowned Warblers can vary in coloration depending on region and maturity. Most of the time, they are a dull yellowish color with yellow undertail coverts and a rarely noticeable orange spot on the top of their head. However, in some regions and in immature birds, they can be grayer overall and look fairly similar to Tennessee Warblers. Orange-crowned Warblers have an eye ring that can be paler or more yellow which also depends on region and maturity.
Range
Orange-crowned Warblers winter in northern Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States, making them one of the more northern wintering warbler species. They also winter along the pacific coast of the continental United States. In spring, they move north, breeding in Canada, Alaska, and the western U.S.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Orange-crowned Warblers have one of the most varied diets of any warbler species. They eat insects and other small invertebrates, sap, berries, seeds, suet, and even nectar from flowers. They forage in all levels of vegetation from near the forest floor to the canopy.
Where to Find this Bird
Orange-crowned Warblers will be in slightly different habitats depending on the time of the year and region. In the east, they are most easily found during migration in usual migrant stopovers. In winter, look for them in areas with thick vegetation such as woods and scrubby thickets.
Ovenbird
Ovenbird – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Ovenbirds have a reddish-brown back, wings, tail, and head, a white underside with black streaking, and a bold white eye ring. They have two black stripes on their crown with a thicker orange stripe in between.
Range
Ovenbirds winter in northern South America, Central America, Mexico, the Carribean, and Florida. In spring, the move north, breeding in the northeastern, and midwestern United States, as well as parts of eastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Ovenbirds feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates. They are known for being adaptable with their food sources and will alter their feeding style and food sources to match with what is most abundant at the time. They will even sometimes eat seeds. Most of the time they tend to forage along the ground but will also feed in bushes and trees.
Where to Find this Bird
In their breeding areas, Ovenbirds are very vocal and can be tracked down by their loud songs. Look for a bird moving along the ground when in large forests but do note that they may also be up higher in the canopy as well.
Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Palm Warblers have a rufous colored cap, a yellow eyebrow stripe, brown wings, and a brown tail. Their throat is yellow, and their underside is varying degrees of yellow depending on the subspecies. Some other notable features are their yellow rump and yellow undertail. It’s not just the look of this species that can help identify it but also the behavior. Palm Warblers are known for bobbing their tail similar to waterthrushes, this can be a useful diagnostic clue in the field.
Range
Palm Warblers winter in Central America, western Mexico, the Caribbean, the southeastern United States, and oddly enough, western California. In spring they move north into the eastern United States and Canada. Some of the states in the continental U.S. that these birds breed in include Maine, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Palm Warblers feed primarily on insects, but will also eat seeds and some fruits including berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Palm Warblers are different than many other warblers as they are not relegated to trees and thick vegetation. They will often forage along the ground and oftentimes associate more with sparrows than with other warblers.
Pine Warbler
Pine Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Pine Warblers have an olive-yellow colored head and back along with a bright yellow throat. They have gray wings with white wing bars, and a white back part of their underside. Another feature to note is their yellow eye ring. Females look very similar but are slightly paler.
Range
Pine Warblers winter in the southeastern United States and some of the islands in the Carribean. In spring, some stay in these areas to breed, but others move north, inhabiting most of the eastern United States and just barely reaching into southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Pine Warblers feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They will also eat berries and seeds, making them one of the handful of warblers that will actually over winter in colder climates and visit bird feeders.
Where to Find this Bird
During migration, Pine Warblers can be seen along with other warblers in a variety of different habitats. When in their breeding areas, they live in pine and mixed pine forests where they can be heard making a trilling call that sounds very similar to a Chipping Sparrow.
Prairie Warbler (Rare)
Prairie Warbler
Identification
Prairie Warblers have an olive-yellow colored head, dark gray wings, and a chestnut-colored patch on their back. Their throat and underside are bright yellow with black streaking. On their face they have a black and yellow pattern distinctive to the species. Female and immature birds look similar but with a grayer head and face along with more muted colors.
Range
Prairie Warblers winter in parts of Central America, the Carribean, and Florida. In spring they move north into much of the eastern United States but don’t end up nearly as far north as other eastern warbler species with only small pockets of their range being in the Midwest and Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Prairie Warblers feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. They will also consume some fruits and other plants.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Prairie Warblers in shrubby areas without dense canopy. These may include burned forests, recently logged forests or simply more scrubby areas with few large trees. Listen for their song that sounds like an ascending buzz.
Prothonotary Warbler (Uncommon)
Prothonotary Warbler
Identification
Prothonotary Warblers have an olive-colored back, gray wings, and a bright glowing yellow head and body.
Range
Prothonotary Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, eastern Mexico, parts of the Carribean, and some states in the southeastern U.S. In spring they move into the eastern United States where they do not make it as far north as many other eastern warblers.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Prothonotary Warblers have diets that vary depending on the time of the year. During breeding season, they eat insects, and other invertebrates. During the nonbreeding season fruits and seeds make up a larger portion of their diet.
Where to Find this Bird
Prothonotary Warblers are sometimes known as “Swamp Warblers” because of the habitats they typically reside in. Look for these birds in swamps, flooded forests, and sometimes even marshes.
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warbler – Photo by USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Identification
Male Yellow Warblers are bright yellow with grayish-yellow wings and reddish-brown streaking on their chest and underside. Females look similar but aren’t quite as brightly colored and lack the streaking on their underside.
Range
Yellow Warblers winter in northern South America, Central America, parts of Mexico, the Carribean, and even a few states in the southern United States. In spring, they move north and inhabit just about every part of North America including almost all of Canada and even Alaska.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Yellow Warblers are insectivores and actively hunt for prey, searching through leaves and branches to find a meal.
Where to Find this Bird
Yellow Warblers can be found in open areas. Some habitats to look for them in are marshes, shrubby fields, forest edges, and oak savannas.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler
Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Also called “butterbutts,” the Yellow-rumped Warbler is known for a patch of yellow that can be seen right above its tail. They also have yellow patches right below their wings on their sides. Males will have a black mask, white throat and overall gray and black coloration. Females look similar to males with more brown on the top of their head and back.
In the western part of North America, Yellow-rumped Warblers are slightly different looking and have a yellow throat. This subspecies is known as the “Audubon’s” subspecies. The eastern subspecies is known as the “Myrtle” subspecies.
Range
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is one of the most common warblers in North America. Their wintering range covers many of the southern and western states and their migratory path goes through the central and eastern U.S. In Summer, they spend most of their time in Canada, some of the northern U.S. and parts of the west.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
The Yellow-rumped Warblers diet consists mostly of insects during the summer, including caterpillars, ants, grasshoppers, and spiders. During winter, their diet consists mostly of fruits. They have also been known to eat seeds. When foraging, they can be seen in any part of a tree, on the ground, or picking off bugs and returning to the same branch, much like a flycatcher. In winter, they form large flocks of almost exclusively other Yellow-rumped Warblers, but during the spring and winter, they can be found in mixed foraging groups.
Where to Find this Bird
In most states in the U.S., Yellow-rumped Warblers are common in the spring and fall while migrating through and are often seen near water.
Yellow-throated Warbler (Rare)
Yellow-throated Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Yellow-throated Warblers have a grayish-blue back, head, and tail. They have dark wings with two wing bars. They have white markings above their eye and black by their eye going down the sides of their bright yellow namesake throat. These birds have a white underside with some black streaking and a white eye crescent on the lower part of their eye.
Range
Yellow-throated Warblers winter in Central America, parts of Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of the southern United States. In spring they head north, breeding in the southeastern United States and as far north as Ohio and southern Wisconsin.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Yellow-throated Warblers are insectivorous and will scour branches and conifer cones. They will also stake out flowers to pick off the insects that are attracted.
Where to Find this Bird
Yellow-throated Warblers operate in a similar way to Black-and-white Warblers climbing around tree branches. they tend to stick to the high canopy of trees however so seeing them can be a challenging task. In my personal experience, during migration this species can be seen lower to the ground while they forage.
Tennessee Warbler
Tennessee Warbler – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Tennessee Warblers have a grayish-blue head, a greenish-yellow back and wings, and a light-colored underside. Females have a more yellow colored head, and both males and females have a light-colored stripe above their eye and white undertail coverts (an important feature to differentiate them from Orange-crowned Warblers).
Range
Tennessee Warblers winter in northeastern South America, Central America, southern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring, they move north into some of the most northern states in the continental U.S. and much of Canada.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Tennessee Warblers feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. During summer, caterpillars make up a massive part of their diet as well as spruce budworms. During the nonbreeding season they also feed on fruit and nectar from flowers.
Where to Find this Bird
Since Tennessee Warblers breed relatively far north in the continent, the best time for many people to see them is during migration. Whether during migration or on their breeding grounds, look for these birds foraging high up in the canopy flitting around the ends of branches.
Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Wilson’s Warblers have an olive-colored back, grayish wings, and a yellow body. Males have a black cap on the top of their head which female and immature birds lack.
Range
Wilson’s Warblers winter in Central America, parts of Mexico, Baja California, and some states in the southern U.S. In spring, they move north, breeding in Canada, Alaska, the northwestern United States, and the most northeastern parts of New England.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Wilson’s Warblers feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. They will also lap up honeydew which is a sugary substance secreted by some types of insects.
Where to Find this Bird
Wilson’s Warblers tend to reside in areas with thick understory. They will occupy forest edges as well, particularly near streams or other water sources.
Worm-eating Warbler (Rare)
Worm-eating Warbler – Photo by Susan Young
Identification
Worm-eating Warblers have an olive-brown back, tan underside, and stripes on their head. They have a very long distinctive looking bill. In all, there aren’t any other warbler species in eastern North America that at all resemble this species.
Range
Worm-eating Warblers winter in Central America, southeastern Mexico, and the Carribean. In spring, they move north into the southeastern United States. Out of all eastern warbler species, Worm-eating Warblers are among some of the most southern nesting, not typically making it very high into the Midwest or the Northeast.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Worm-eating Warblers do not actually readily consume worms, but do eat caterpillars, insects, spiders, and slugs. The name may come from their preference for caterpillars that are sometimes colloquially called “worms.”
Where to Find this Bird
Worm-eating Warblers reside in thick, dense forests and stay low near the forest floor which make them challenging to see. Listen for their trill-y calls that sound very similar to Pine Warblers and Chipping Sparrows.
Summary
Warblers are always a major highlight during migration and serve as something to look forward to every year. We hope this post has helped answer some questions about these beautiful and energetic birds.
Owls are extremely charismatic species beloved by both birders and non-birders alike. Nocturnal, mysterious, and secretive, these birds play important roles in our culture.
There are seven species of owls that can be found in Connecticut with some being found quite frequently and others being rare visitors. Here are the owl species to be on the lookout for if you are in this state.
Barred Owl
Barred Owl
Identification
Barred Owls are bulky with round heads, white undersides with brown stripes, and brown backs. They also have white striping on their backs, and dark eyes typically looking uniform in color. Like many owl species, Barred Owls have a flat face known as a facial disk.
Barred Owls have a very distinctive call as they make a “who cooks for you” call. They are known to call even when it’s light out.
Range
Barred Owls are non-migratory and can be found yea- round in the Eastern United States, Southern Canada, and the Pacific Northwestern states of the US. Many of the Western states do not have resident Barred Owls in the wild.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Barred Owls eat many different types of small and medium sized creatures including mammals, other birds, amphibians, and reptiles. They have even been cited going into the water to catch fish and crustaceans. Barred Owls typically find a good vantage point and watch for potential prey items, they will then swoop down from above to catch their meal.
Where to Find This Bird
Badgerland Birding searches for a Barred Owl in an old growth forest
Look for Barred Owls in forests (conifer or deciduous) where there are plenty of tall trees to perch in and cavities to roost in. Older forests with taller trees are typically preferable. Swamps are also good places to find this species, especially in the Southeastern states.
Barred Owls are a species that will call during the daytime so listen for their classic “who cooks for you” call even when it’s light out.
Eastern Screech Owl
Red morph Eastern Screech Owl
Identification
Eastern Screech Owls are small, round looking birds with pointed ear tufts. They come in two different colors or “morphs,” with one being gray and the other being orange. Gray morph birds are very well camouflaged as they look almost exactly like bark with a light gray base color and darker patterns on the back, head, and underside. The orange version of the Eastern Screech Owl is known as a “red morph” bird and have a deep reddish orange base color with darker grayish black patterning on their back, head, and chest. Red morph birds have white coloration on their underside going from the throat down toward their legs.
Range
The aptly named Eastern Screech Owl can be found year-round throughout the Eastern half of the United States and Northeastern Mexico. They also make it into some parts of Southeastern Canada as well. The range of this species expands as far west as Montana, Texas, and Eastern Colorado.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Eastern Screech Owls eat a wide variety of small prey items including mammals, insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and reptiles.
Where to Find This Bird
Eastern Screech Owls are not at all picky about where they live. They can be found in all different types of forests including deciduous and coniferous, residential areas such as city parks, areas near rivers and streams, and edge habitat. They live almost anywhere with adequate tree cover. Often times, Eastern Screech Owls use the same roosting sites repeatedly, meaning that they are easy to find if you know where they are roosting. Look for them peaking out of tree cavities or nest boxes sunning themselves, or watch these same places and wait for them to pop out just before dusk when they usually stick their faces out of their roosting site and wait for the right time to take flight for a night of hunting.
Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl
Identification
Out of all of the Owl species in North America, the Great Horned Owl is probably the one that people encounter the most. They are quite large with very noticeable ear tufts and have varying shades of brown covering their back, head, and wings. the Underside of the Great Horned Owl is lighter with a brown wash and darker brown to black horizontal barring.
Great Horned Owls of the arctic population are much more pale and even sometimes look white in color with the same barring and patterns as their southern counterparts.
Range
The Great Horned Owl is extremely widespread across North America as their range encompasses most of Alaska and Canada, the entire continental United States, and the majority of Mexico. They also live in various parts of South America too. This species is non-migratory.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Great Horned Owls eat an extremely wide variety of different animals ranging from small rodents to significantly larger mammals such as skunks and porcupines. They will also eat fairly large bird species such as ducks and even other raptor species. One interesting and gruesome habit of Great Horned Owls is to decapitate their larger prey.
Where to Find This Bird
Great Horned Owls can be found in a variety of different habitats including coniferous forests, deciduous forests, swamps, and residential neighborhoods. The easiest way to find this species is to listen for them making their call: a low “hoo hoo.” During breeding season owls can often be heard calling to one another, a practice known as “dueting.”
Long-eared Owl (Uncommon)
Long-eared Owl
Identification
Long-eared Owls are medium sized owl species with very large ear tufts. They are brown on the back, wings, and head with orange, tan, and darker brown colors mixed in. Their underside is brown, white, and orange, giving them the appearance of the bark of a pine tree. Long-eared owls have orange facial disks outlined by dark brown.
Range
Long-eared Owls winter in Mexico and the Southern United States. In spring they move into the Northern United States and Southern Canada. There are many states in which Long-eared Owls are year-round residents such as Utah, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and many more.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Long-eared owls eat a variety of small rodents. They have also been known to consume birds as well. This species hunts for food in open areas where they typically capture prey on the ground.
Where to Find This Bird
Long-eared Owls are secretive birds that roost in thick tangles of brush and vegetation. They often roost in groups so if you happen to find one of these well camouflaged owls, others are most likely around. Some of their favorite trees to nest in are willows, cottonwoods, and tamaracks. Long-eared Owls can also be found by listening for their deep “hoo” calls often repeated in quick succession.
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Uncommon)
Northern Saw-whet Owl – Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region
Identification
Northern Saw-whet Owls are a very small species with a large, round head. They have a brown back and head with white spots, a white underside, and light brown vertical stripes. They have a white facial disk and piercing yellow eyes.
Range
Northern Saw-whet Owls live year round throughout different parts of North America including Southern Canada, the Northeastern, Northwestern, and Midwestern United States in addition to select areas of Mexico. During winter, they end up filling in the other parts of the United States that they don’t inhabit the rest of the year, moving as far south as Texas and Louisiana some years.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Northern Saw-whet Owls eat small prey items such as mice. They also eat other small mammals and small birds.
Where to Find This Bird
Northern Saw-whet Owls can be found in forests ranging from deciduous to coniferous. They are notoriously difficult to find as they don’t usually use the same roost. To try and locate one, search pine stands (this bird seems to prefer roosting in conifers) and look for white- washed branches. Another way to find Saw-whet Owls is to listen for their call between late winter and spring which sounds like a drawn out “toot toot” repeated in succession.
Snowy Owl
Snowy Owl
Identification
Snowy Owls are iconic and recognizable birds. Adult males range from pure white to white with a few dark brown markings. Female and immature birds are white with much more dark barring. These birds always have a white face regardless of the age of the bird.
Range
Snowy Owls breed on the tundra of the high arctic. During fall and winter they descend into Southern Canada, Alaska, and much of the continental United States. Just how far these majestic birds will go is dependent on food sources in the north. While this can be somewhat complicated, it generally boils down to the more food availability during breeding season, the more owls are successfully raised in a given year. The more owls that are raised in the north, the more they spread out, thus leading to what’s known as an irruption in which many owls spread out farther south into the United States than usual. The typical southern range for these birds encompasses the states bordering Canada.
Learn about the patterns of Snowy Owl migration and irruptions
Diet and Foraging Habits
Snowy Owls feed primarily on small rodents. In particular, they are fond of the lemmings that live in their breeding areas. This species will also eat birds as well with waterfowl being a usual menu item.
Snowy Owls hunt on open landscapes and often times sit for hours surveying their surroundings and watching for small rodents.
Where to Find This Bird
Badgerland Birding searches for Snowy Owls along the Lake Michigan coast
Snowy Owls vary in numbers depending on how good the prior year’s nesting season was. In their normal range they can be found in open areas such as farm fields, tundra, and grasslands. The best time to look for Snowy Owls is during an irruption year when many more birds are coming down from the north and flooding into the United States. During these times, Snowy Owls can actually be quite easy to find and end up in slightly more eclectic places such as lake shores and airports.
Short-eared Owl (Uncommon)
Short-eared Owl
Identification
Short-eared Owls are colored the same as the prairies and grasslands in which they reside. They have a light sandy colored back, wings, and tail with dark brown mottling. They have a cream colored underside with vertical stripes. This species has a white facial disk with both dark and sandy coloration just below their bright yellow eyes.
Short-eared Owls are highly maneuverable and acrobatic in flight, flying with rapid wingbeats that make them look moth-like. When flying, their flat faces are quite evident and help in separating them from other species such as Northern Harriers.
Range
Short-eared Owls are a species found across the globe in almost every continent. In North America, they winter in Northern Mexico and the Southern United States then move into the Northern Great Lakes states, Canada, and Alaska to breed in the summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Short-eared Owls eat small mammals such a slice, lemmings, shrews, and voles. They will also eat small to medium sized birds. Short-eared Owls are specialized hunters that acrobatically fly over open prairies keeping an eye out for ground dwelling mammals. They spend much more time in the air hunting compared to most other owl species.
Where to Find This Bird
Badgerland Birding scours a frozen marsh to find Short-eared Owls
Short-eared Owls can be found in open prairies and grasslands flying low over the landscape. The timing can be important when looking for Short-eared owls as they are crepuscular, meaning they are out most at dawn and dusk. However, there are times when they have been documented flying during the day as well.
Summary
Owls are enigmatic and beautiful birds that are always a treat to see when out in the field. Knowing the species that are expected in your state can be instrumental in identifying which one you’re looking at and understanding their behaviors. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the owls of Connecticut.
Bluebirds are affable members of the thrush family named for their coloration. There are three species of bluebirds native to North America, and two species that can be found in Kansas with one being common and the other being a bit more rare. Here is everything you need to know about the bluebirds of Kansas.
Eastern Bluebird
Male Eastern Bluebird
Identification
Male Eastern Bluebirds have a sky blue back, wings, tail, and head. They have a reddish orange chest and underside as well as a very faint eye ring. Females have a grayish colored head with blue wings and a darker orange underside with a more noticeable eye ring. Both males and females have white on their underside near their legs.
Range
Eastern Bluebirds live year-round in parts of Mexico, Central America, and the Southeastern United States. In summer, many of them move north into the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
The diet of Eastern Bluebird varies depending on the time of the year. When insects are available, they make up an extremely large part of their diet. Other times of the year this species eats an array of fruits.
Where to Find This Bird
Eastern Bluebirds can be found around open spaces near edge habitat. Prairies, fields, and pastures are all places where this species can be found regularly in addition to more forested areas as well as around ponds.
Badgerland Birding searches for Eastern Bluebirds
Mountain Bluebird (Uncommon)
Mountain Bluebird
Identification
Male Mountain Bluebirds are bright blue with a white under-tail, and lighter coloration on their lower underside. Females are blueish gray with brighter blue on their tail and wings. Both males and females have a light eye ring.
Range
Mountain Bluebirds are a species of Western North America with a wintering range that dips into Mexico, and a summertime range that reaches into the heart of Alaska. They can be found year round in states such as California, Utah, and Nevada, among others.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Mountain Bluebirds are mostly insectivorous and eat a variety of small invertebrates including grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders. They will also eat berries and other fruits including those of sumac and mistletoe.
Where to Find This Bird
Mountain Bluebirds can be found in open spaces such as the edges of prairies and fields. They can also be found in higher elevation places such as mountainsides and coniferous woodlands.
Badgerland Birding searches for a female Mountain Bluebird outside of its normal range
Summary
Bluebirds are typically birds that people are happy to see. Knowing more about the species that are expected in your area can be instrumental in finding and identifying them. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the bluebirds of Kansas.
