In Alberta, this comprehensive manual will assist you in recognizing and categorizing all the warbler species that frequently appear. It includes photo identification, detailed descriptions, enchanting song recordings, intriguing facts, and more.
Warblers, these diminutive migratory songbirds, embark on long journeys, spanning from South America to their breeding grounds in Canada. They exhibit vibrant colors, with flashes of yellow and green, swiftly traveling from their nesting sites to winter abodes.
Referred to as wood-warblers, these North American avian beauties predominantly inhabit woodlands and forests. An interesting phenomenon called “warbler neck” may afflict birdwatchers who strain their necks while using binoculars to spot these elusive creatures in treetops, resulting in painful stiffness and tingling.
While warblers primarily consume insects, they occasionally visit backyard feeders for seeds and mealworms. You can obtain a complimentary identification chart that includes other bird species commonly found in Alberta.
The purpose of this guide is to aid you in identifying the warbler species regularly sighted in Alberta, based on information gathered from avid birdwatchers on ebird and reliable data from avibase. Realistic details about their sightings are provided to facilitate successful observations.
In this comprehensive guide, you can listen to their melodious songs and gain insight into the various types of warbler songs. Additionally, we recommend consulting our supplementary guide, which features 13 easily recognizable warbler songs for your convenience.
Warblers Present in Alberta Across Seasons:
During the summer in Alberta, you may encounter the following warblers: Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned Warbler, Ovenbird, Wilson’s Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Mourning Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Canada Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat.
In Alberta, these warblers can be observed during migration: Blackpoll Warbler, Palm Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, and Black-throated Green Warbler.
A Total of 18 Warbler Species in Alberta:
1. Yellow-rumped Warbler:
Between mid-April and October, Yellow-rumped Warblers can be found breeding in Alberta. These charming birds are recorded in approximately 20% of summer checklists submitted by birdwatchers.
Yellow-rumped Warblers exhibit gray plumage with flashes of yellow on their face, sides, and rump. They possess white wings, while females may have a slight brownish tinge. During winter, their plumage turns paler brown, and in spring, their sides and rumps regain their vibrant yellow and gray shades.
There are two subspecies: the Myrtle Warbler, lacking a yellow throat, primarily found in the eastern United States and boreal forests of Canada, and the Audubon’s Warbler, which has more white in its wings and is prevalent in the western United States.
- Setophaga coronata
- Length: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (12-13 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 inches (19-23 cm)
Yellow-rumped Warblers primarily breed in Canada, the Rocky Mountains, and the Appalachian mountains. They migrate through the Midwest before wintering in the southern and southwestern United States, the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America.
During the breeding season, Yellow-rumped Warblers inhabit coniferous forests, shifting to open areas with fruiting shrubs during winter. Their diet
consists mainly of insects during summer and fruit, including bayberry and wax myrtle, during migration and winter.
Yellow-rumped Warbler Song:
Listen to their beautiful song: Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC602699. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/602699.
Females construct nests in conifer trees using twigs, pine needles, and grass, lined with soft grass, moss, and hair. They lay up to six eggs, which incubate for approximately two weeks before the young spend another two weeks before leaving the nest.
To attract Yellow-rumped Warblers to your backyard, consider providing sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and peanut butter.
Fun Fact: During winter, Yellow-rumped Warblers form massive flocks, sometimes comprising thousands of individuals, and exhibit aggression towards other species encroaching on their territory.
2. Yellow Warbler:
Yellow Warblers are frequently sighted during the breeding season in Alberta, typically from May to September. They appear in approximately 26% of summer checklists.
These small, vibrant birds don bright yellow plumage with a yellow-green back. Male Yellow Warblers sport chestnut streaks on their breast, while females and juveniles exhibit less brilliance and lack streaks.
- Setophaga petechia
- Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 inches (16-20 cm)
Yellow Warblers embark on extensive migrations, breeding in Canada and the United States (excluding the southeastern states) before journeying to Central and South America for the winter. However, they can be observed during migration in the southeastern states of the United States.
Streams, wetlands, thickets, and field edges are favored habitats where Yellow Warblers diligently forage for insects such as caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
Yellow Warbler Song:
Listen to their delightful song: Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC662546. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/662546.
Females construct nests in small trees or shrubs using bark, grass, and plant materials, held together with spider webs. The nest is then lined with softer materials like hair, feathers, and plant down.
Yellow Warblers lay up to seven eggs, which hatch after approximately twelve days, and the young remain in the nest for another ten days before venturing out.
To attract Yellow Warblers to your backyard, consider offering suet, oranges, peanut butter, and plants with berries. Embrace a more natural approach by cultivating native plants that attract insects without relying on pesticides or excessive tidiness. Additionally, providing birdbaths with fountains near secluded plantings offers protection and water sources.
Fun Fact: Cowbirds often parasitize Yellow Warblers’ nests. When detected, the Yellow Warblers construct a new nest on top of the old one, effectively starting afresh, sometimes up to six times!
3. Tennessee Warbler:
Tennessee Warblers are predominantly observed in Alberta between May and October, accounting for approximately 8% of summer checklists.
Male Tennessee Warblers possess gray heads, green backs, and pale whitish underparts. In contrast, females exhibit a greener plumage with yellow undertones and green heads. Males feature a white eyestripe, while females sport a yellow eyestripe. These warblers have white undersides of their tails.
Leiothlypis peregrina
Length: 3.9-5.1 inches (10-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.3 ounces (8-10 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-7.9 inches (19-20 cm)
Tennessee Warblers embark on long migrations from Central America to Canada. During migration, they can be sighted across eastern states of the United States.
Woodlands serve as the primary habitat for Tennessee Warblers, where they actively feed on caterpillars, predominantly found on trees and shrubs.
Tennessee Warbler Song:
Listen to their enchanting song: Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC444969. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/444969.
Nests of Tennessee Warblers are concealed in moss or tree roots and constructed using grass and weeds. They lay approximately six eggs, with an incubation period of about twelve days, followed by another two weeks for the young to leave the nest.
Fun Fact: Despite their name, Tennessee Warblers do not breed or spend significant time in Tennessee. They were given this name as it was the location of their initial sighting and subsequent nomenclature.
4. Common Yellowthroat:
Common Yellowthroats spend the summer in Alberta, appearing in around 8% of summer checklists. They arrive in April and initiate migration in October.
These small songbirds possess brownish plumage on their backs and bright yellow undersides, complemented by long tails. Males sport black masks across their faces, distinguishing them from females. The intensity of yellow plumage can vary geographically, and individuals may exhibit more olive tones in certain regions.
- Geothlypis trichas
- Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.3 ounces (9-10 g)
- Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 inches (15-19 cm)
Common Yellowthroats breed across most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. Some individuals remain year-round along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest. During winter, they embark on southern migrations.
Common Yellowthroats are often found in marshy areas, wetlands, and brushy fields, thriving amidst dense, tangled vegetation.
Common Yellowthroat Song:
Listen to their melodic song: Credit: Paul Marvin, XC629250. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/629250.
Females construct nests near the ground in marshy regions, utilizing reeds for support. The nest is composed of grass, sedges, leaves, and grass, creating a cup-shaped structure. They lay up to six eggs, which hatch after approximately twelve days, and the young spend a similar duration in the nest before taking flight.
To attract Common Yellowthroats to your backyard, ensure it features abundant vegetation and native plants that entice insects.
Fun Fact: The black mask of Common Yellowthroats serves as a visual cue for male courtship. They exhibit aggression towards imitations of birds with masks but do not engage in aggression when the mask is absent.
5. Orange-crowned Warbler:
Orange-crowned Warblers spend their summers in Alberta, primarily from mid-April to October, with higher frequencies during fall migration, accounting for up to 15% of checklists.
Compared to other warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers exhibit more subdued coloring, featuring yellow-olive plumage, which may appear more yellow along the Pacific Coast. Their orange crown is rarely visible. Male and female individuals share similar appearances, while juveniles tend to be grayer.
- Leiothlypis celata
- Length: 4.3-5.5 inches (11-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (7-11 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
Orange-crowned Warblers breed in Canada, western United States, and migrate to the Pacific, East and Gulf Coasts, Mexico, and Central America. They can also be sighted during migration across all U.S. states, except the northeastern region.
Shrubs and low-lying vegetation serve as favored habitats for Orange-crowned Warblers. During breeding, they occupy open woodlands. Their diet primarily consists of spiders, insects such as caterpillars and flies, and they frequently visit backyard feeders.
Orange-crowned Warbler Song:
Listen to their melodious song: Credit: Paul Marvin, XC671865. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/671865.
Nests of Orange-crowned Warblers are located near or on the ground, often concealed under logs or shrubs. Constructed from dead leaves, twigs, stems, and lined with soft grass and animal hair, these nests accommodate up to six eggs.
To attract Orange-crowned Warblers to your yard, consider providing suet, peanut butter, or hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water nectar.
Fun Fact: Orange-crowned Warblers have been observed drinking sap from sapsucker and woodpecker sapwells.
6. Ovenbird:
Ovenbirds can be found in Alberta during the summer months, primarily from May to October, accounting for 5% of checklists during this period.
Compared to other warblers, Ovenbirds may appear less visually striking with their olive-green backs and black-and-white spotted undersides.
- Seiurus aurocapilla
- Length: 4.3-5.5 inches (11-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-1.0 ounces (16-28 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-10.2 inches (19-26 cm)
Ovenbirds breed in northeastern U.S. states, Canada, the Midwest, and northwest Canada. During migration, they can be observed in eastern U.S. states. In winter, they inhabit Florida, Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean.
Ovenbirds are commonly spotted on the ground, foraging through leaf litter in forests in search of insects.
Ovenbird Song:
Listen to their unique song: Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC602036. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/602036.
Nests of Ovenbirds are usually situated on the ground, often beneath logs or shrubs. Constructed from leaves, grass, bark, and other plant materials, the nest takes the shape of a dome. It is lined with animal hair. They lay around five eggs, with an incubation period of two weeks and an additional ten days for the young to leave the nest.
Fun Fact: Ovenbirds derive their name from the distinct nest they construct, reminiscent of a Dutch oven in shape.
7. Wilson’s Warbler:
Wilson’s Warblers can be observed in Alberta during the summer months, primarily from May to mid-October, with a prevalence of 20% in checklists during fall migration.
These tiny, round warblers feature bright yellow plumage with a large black cap in males and a smaller black cap in females.
- Cardellina pusilla
- Length: 3.9-4.7 inches (10-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces (5-10 g)
- Wingspan: 5.5-6.7 inches (14-17 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in Canada, Alaska, and northwestern U.S. states, while their migration spans across all U.S. states. During winter, they inhabit Mexico and Central America.
Wilson’s Warblers can be found near streams, within thickets, and along forest edges, where they actively search for insects, including their larvae and spiders.
Wilson’s Warbler Song:
Listen to their captivating song: Credit: Thomas G. Graves, XC561438. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/561438.
Nests of Wilson’s Warblers are cleverly hidden on the ground near trees or shrubs. Constructed from leaves, grass, bark, moss, and plant materials, the nest is lined with soft grass and animal hair. They lay around five eggs, with an incubation period of approximately eleven days, followed by another ten days for the young to leave the nest.
While Wilson’s Warblers do not frequently visit feeders, you can attract them to your backyard by incorporating native trees and shrubs.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers employ a unique tactic to distract potential nest predators. They feign a broken wing, luring the predator away before swiftly flying off.
8. American Redstart:
American Redstarts spend the summer in Alberta, primarily from May to mid-October, accounting for 3% of checklists during this period.
These birds are predominantly black in color with vibrant orange patches and a white belly. Females have an olive-gray plumage with yellow patches.
- Setophaga ruticilla
- Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces (6-9 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.5 inches (16-19 cm)
American Redstarts breed in eastern U.S. states, Canada, and northwestern U.S. states. They can also be observed during migration in central and western U.S. states.
Deciduous woodlands and backyards with thickets are favored habitats for American Redstarts. They feed on insects and also enjoy berries such as serviceberry and magnolia.
American Redstart Song:
Listen to their unique song: Credit: Nick Kiehl, XC522368. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/522368.
Nests of American Redstarts are usually located close to the trunk of trees or in large shrubs. Constructed using bark, grass, and other plant materials, the nests are lined with animal hair. They lay up to five eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two weeks, followed by one to two weeks for the young to leave the nest.
To attract American Redstarts to your backyard, consider incorporating berry plants like magnolia and serviceberry.
Fun Fact: American Redstart parents selectively feed specific chicks rather than providing food to all of them equally.
9. Northern Waterthrush:
Northern Waterthrushes spend the summer in Alberta, appearing in approximately 3% of checklists during this time. They can be observed from May to October.
These birds bear resemblance to thrushes, featuring brown heads with thick, white eyebrows, dark brown backs, and white bellies with heavy streaking from their throats to their rumps.
- Parkesia noveboracensis
- Length: 5.75 inches (15 cm)
- Weight: 0.8 ounces (23 g)
- Wingspan: 8.75 inches (22 cm)
Northern Waterthrushes breed in Canada, Alaska, and northeastern U.S. states before embarking on migrations to Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Some individuals may remain in Central and South America throughout the year.
Northern Waterthrushes can be found in dark, woody swamps, thickets, and bogs. They are often attracted to still or sluggish water within forests.
These birds exhibit both aquatic and terrestrial foraging behavior, utilizing their long legs to walk on shallow water in search of water beetles, mosquitoes, slugs, crustaceans, snails, and occasionally, small fish. They also feed on caterpillars, moths, and ants found under leaves.
Northern Waterthrush Song:
Listen to their distinct song: Credit: Jeff Dyck, XC416169. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/416169.
Nests of Northern Waterthrushes are typically situated in hollows or crevices near water sources. They can be found in moss-covered stumps or under protruding banks, often concealed among ferns. Constructed from moss, twigs, pine needles, bark strips, and roots, the nests accommodate three to six eggs. Incubation takes around two weeks, and the young remain in the nest for up to two weeks before becoming independent.
Fun Fact: Northern Waterthrushes often walk on the ground instead of hopping. As they walk, they bob their tails, creating the illusion of being off balance.
10. Black-and-white Warbler:
Black-and-white Warblers can be spotted in Alberta during the summer months, appearing in approximately 2% of checklists at this time. They are primarily observed from May to September.
These warblers have a distinctive striped appearance, making them relatively easy to identify. Males have a large black patch across the eye and cheek, appearing darker than females.
- Mniotilta varia
- Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (8-15 g)
- Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 inches (18-22 cm)
Black-and-white Warblers breed in the eastern United States and Canada. During winter, they can be found in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Mexico, Baja California, the Caribbean, and northern South America. They are observed during migration in central U.S. states.
Black-and-white Warblers are often seen hopping up and down tree trunks and branches in forests as they search for insects.
Black-and-white Warbler Song:
Listen to their unique song: Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC600300. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/600300.
Nests of Black-and-white Warblers are typically hidden close to or on the ground, often under logs or shrubs. Constructed from bark, grass, and pine needles, the nests are woven into a cup shape. They lay around five eggs, with an incubation period of approximately eleven days, followed by another ten days for the young to leave the nest.
11. Magnolia Warbler
During the summer months from May to October, you may catch a glimpse of Magnolia Warblers in Alberta, although they are not frequently seen, appearing in only 1% of checklists at this time.
The male Magnolia Warblers display a striking combination of black on their backs and vibrant yellow underneath. They sport a black streaked “necklace” that extends over their necks and down to their bellies. Females, on the other hand, have a grayer plumage on their backs and lack the distinctive streaking on the belly.
- Scientific Name: Setophaga magnolia
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.5 oz (6-15 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)
Magnolia Warblers breed across Canada and northeastern US states. They can also be observed during migration in the eastern US. In the winter, they migrate to Central America and the Caribbean.
These warblers can be found perched on low branches in forests or parks, making them more visible during migration. They primarily feed on insects and spiders.
Listen to the unique song of the Magnolia Warbler: Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC512264. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/512264.
Nests of Magnolia Warblers are loosely constructed using grass and weeds. They are often built close to the trunk of conifer trees. The female lays around four eggs, and the incubation period lasts for approximately twelve days. The young leave the nest after about nine days.
To attract Magnolia Warblers to your backyard, consider planting native shrubs and trees that provide resting spots during migration.
Fun Fact: Male Magnolia Warblers use the white spots on their tails to attract females and intimidate rivals.
12. Blackpoll Warbler
Blackpoll Warblers, classified as near-threatened species in Alberta, can be spotted during their migration in May to June and August to September. During the spring migration, they appear in 4% of checklists, and during the fall migration, they appear in 6% of checklists.
Male Blackpoll Warblers exhibit black and white streaked plumage with a black cap and white cheeks. Females also display black and white markings, but they lack the black cap and white cheeks. Interestingly, their appearance changes in late summer when they molt into yellow plumage with darker streaking on the back.
- Scientific Name: Setophaga striata
- Length: 5.5 in (14 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-13 g)
- Wingspan: 8.3-9.1 in (21-23 cm)
Blackpoll Warblers breed in Canada and can be observed during spring migration in the eastern United States. In the fall, they migrate to their winter grounds in South America and the Caribbean.
These warblers can be found in forests, where they primarily feed on spiders and insects. During the fall, they also consume fruit such as honeysuckle and pokeberry.
Listen to the distinctive song of the Blackpoll Warbler: Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC598813. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/598813.
Nests of Blackpoll Warblers are typically situated near the trunks of fir trees and constructed with twigs and lichen by the female. They lay up to five eggs, which take around twelve days to hatch. The young leave the nest after approximately ten days.
Fun Fact: Blackpoll Warblers undertake a remarkable non-stop flight over the Atlantic Ocean during their fall migration from breeding grounds to
South America. However, they make a stop in the Caribbean and fly over land during spring migration.
13. Townsend’s Warbler
Townsend’s Warblers are primarily seen in Alberta during the breeding season, with sightings most common from May to October. They appear in about 1% of checklists during the summer.
Townsend’s Warblers are small birds with a black and yellow plumage. Male individuals display striking features such as black crowns, cheeks, and throats. They also have yellow eyebrows, a yellow crescent under the eye, and yellow bellies. Black spots adorn their yellow upper backs. Their wings are black with two white wingbars, and their bellies are white.
Females resemble males in their patterns, although they have lighter coloring and lack the distinctive black throat. Juveniles exhibit even lighter hues, with olive-green backs, crowns, and cheeks. They also lack the black throat found in males, but they possess light-colored streaks on the chest.
- Scientific Name: Setophaga townsendi
- Length: 4.75 – 5 inches (12 – 13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3 oz (9 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5 – 8 inches (19 – 20 cm)
Townsend’s Warblers breed in western Canada, northwestern US states, and Alaska before embarking on migration towards the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America.
These warblers prefer tall and dense coniferous forests in coastal regions and mountains. They are commonly found in areas with pine, oak, alder, madrones, and laurels.
Due to their affinity for high and tall trees, Townsend’s Warblers predominantly forage among twigs and branches in search of insects like caterpillars, bugs, beetles, and leafhoppers. They are also known to hover among foliage to obtain their food.
In winter, Townsend’s Warblers feed on the sugary excretions of scale insects, often establishing and defending territories around these insects.
Listen to the song of the Townsend’s Warbler: Credit: Paul Marvin, XC710935. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/710935.
Nests of Townsend’s Warblers are typically concealed on or near the ground within dense shrubs and thickets. They are constructed using leaves, weeds, and grasses and lined with feathers and animal hair.
To attract Townsend’s Warblers to your backyard during winter, you can prepare mealworms, peanut butter, and suet. They may visit backyard feeders when temperatures become too cold.
Fun Fact: The Townsend’s Warbler derives its name from the American ornithologist John Kirk Townsend.
14. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers can be spotted in Alberta during the summer months from May to September. They are relatively common, appearing in approximately 10% of checklists during this time.
Male Wilson’s Warblers have a striking appearance with a bright yellow plumage. They feature a black cap on their heads that extends down to their eyes, contrasting with their yellow underparts. Females have a similar color pattern but with a duller yellow hue and less prominent black cap.
- Scientific Name: Cardellina pusilla
- Length: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces (6-9 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in western Canada and parts of the United States, such as Alaska and the Rocky Mountains. During migration, they can be observed in various regions of North America. In the winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America.
These warblers inhabit various forested habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, and shrublands. They are often found near streams, rivers, or marshy areas. Wilson’s Warblers feed on insects, spiders, and small berries.
Listen to the song of the Wilson’s Warbler: Credit: Andrew Spencer, XC625965. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/625965.
Nests of Wilson’s Warblers are typically built on the ground or near the ground, hidden in dense vegetation. They are cup-shaped and constructed with grasses, moss, and leaves, and lined with fine materials such as plant fibers and animal hair. The female lays around four to five eggs, and the incubation period lasts approximately 12 days. The young leave the nest after about nine days.
To attract Wilson’s Warblers to your backyard, provide a water source such as a bird bath and plant native shrubs and trees that offer shelter and food sources.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers are known for their lively and energetic foraging behavior as they actively flick their tails while searching for insects.
15. Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers are seen in Alberta during the breeding season from May to August. They are relatively uncommon, appearing in only 2% of checklists during this time.
These warblers have a relatively plain appearance. Both males and females exhibit a greenish-gray overall plumage with faint streaking on their sides. Their crown, which is usually hidden, may show a hint of orange when raised.
- Scientific Name: Leiothlypis celata
- Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces (5-9 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 inches (19-21 cm)
Orange-crowned Warblers breed in western Canada and parts of the western United States. They can be observed during migration across North America. In the winter, they migrate to the southern United States and Mexico.
These warblers inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, shrublands, and gardens. They feed on insects, spiders, and small berries.
Listen to the song of the Orange-crowned Warbler: Credit: Martin St-Michel, XC516646. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/516646.
Nests of Orange-crowned Warblers are typically constructed on or near the ground, hidden in dense vegetation such as shrubs or grasses. They are cup-shaped and built with grass, bark strips, and fine plant materials, lined with hair or feathers. The female lays around four to six eggs, and the incubation
period lasts approximately 12 days. The young leave the nest after about nine days.
To attract Orange-crowned Warblers to your backyard, provide a mix of native trees, shrubs, and plants that offer both food sources and cover.
Fun Fact: The orange crown, which gives this warbler its name, is often concealed and rarely seen.
16. Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers can be found in Alberta during the summer months from May to September. They are relatively uncommon, appearing in approximately 3% of checklists during this time.
Nashville Warblers have a bright yellow underside and olive-green upperparts. They feature a gray head with a distinct white eyering and a yellow patch on their throat. Their plumage provides excellent camouflage in their preferred habitat.
- Scientific Name: Leiothlypis ruficapilla
- Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 inches (19-21 cm)
Nashville Warblers breed in Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. During migration, they can be observed across a wide range of North America. In the winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America.
These warblers prefer habitats with dense shrubs and understory vegetation, such as thickets, open woodlands, and forest edges. They feed on insects, spiders, and small fruits.
Listen to the song of the Nashville Warbler: Credit: Andrew Spencer, XC377115. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/377115.
Nests of Nashville Warblers are typically built close to the ground in shrubs or low vegetation. They are cup-shaped and constructed with grasses, bark strips, and plant fibers, lined with finer materials such as feathers and hair. The female lays around four to five eggs, and the incubation period lasts approximately 12 days. The young leave the nest after about nine days.
To attract Nashville Warblers to your backyard, create shrubby areas or plant native shrubs that provide both cover and food sources.
Fun Fact: Despite their name, Nashville Warblers do not breed in or around the city of Nashville, Tennessee. The species was named after a place in Tennessee where the bird was first discovered.
17. American Redstart
American Redstarts can be observed in Alberta during the summer months from May to September. They are relatively common and are recorded in approximately 8% of checklists during this time.
Male American Redstarts are striking with their black upperparts, bright orange patches on their sides, and vibrant orange tail feathers. Females, on the other hand, have grayish-green upperparts and yellow patches on their sides and tail feathers.
- Scientific Name: Setophaga ruticilla
- Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.4 ounces (6-12 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
American Redstarts breed across Canada and the northeastern United States. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wooded swamps, and even urban parks. During migration, they can be seen in the eastern and central regions of North America. In the winter, they migrate to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
These warblers are known for their active foraging behavior, constantly fluttering their wings and fanning their tails as they search for insects. They also consume berries and nectar.
Listen to the song of the American Redstart: Credit: Bob McGuire, XC549625. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/549625.
Nests of American Redstarts are typically located in the understory of deciduous trees or shrubs. The nest is a cup-shaped structure constructed with plant materials such as twigs, grasses, and bark, bound together with spider silk. The female lays around three to five eggs, and the incubation period lasts approximately 10-12 days. The young fledge after about 10-12 days.
To attract American Redstarts to your backyard, provide a diverse habitat with trees and shrubs that offer both food and cover. Avoid using pesticides to ensure a healthy insect population.
Fun Fact: Male American Redstarts use a unique hunting strategy called “flush-pursuit foraging.” They startle insects by flashing their wings and tail, making them easier to catch.
18. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers can be spotted in Alberta during the summer months from May to September. They are relatively common, appearing in approximately 3% of checklists during this time.
Male Wilson’s Warblers have bright yellow plumage all over, while females have a more subdued yellow-green coloration. They both have distinct black caps on their heads.
- Scientific Name: Cardellina pusilla
- Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 inches (19-21 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in Canada, Alaska, and parts of the northwestern United States. During migration, they can be seen across a wider range of North America. In the winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America.
These warblers inhabit a variety of habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, thickets, and shrubby areas. They primarily feed on insects, foraging actively in vegetation and occasionally catching insects in mid-air.
Listen to the song of the Wilson’s Warbler: Credit: Lance A. M. Benner, XC364111. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/364111.
Nests of Wilson’s Warblers are typically located on the ground, often hidden in grass or shrubs. The nest is cup-shaped and constructed with grasses, moss, and plant fibers, lined with fine materials such as hair and feathers. The female lays around four to six eggs, and the incubation period lasts approximately 12-14 days. The young leave the nest after about nine to 10 days.
To attract Wilson’s Warblers to your backyard, provide dense shrubs and vegetation that offer suitable nesting and foraging opportunities.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers have been observed in rare instances engaging in “anting” behavior, where they pick up ants and rub them on their feathers, possibly to benefit from chemicals produced by the ants.