Discover the multitude of warbler species that frequently visit Mississippi through this comprehensive manual, complete with captivating imagery, informative descriptions, melodic audio recordings, and intriguing trivia.
Warblers, those petite migratory songbirds, embark on arduous journeys spanning vast distances, from South America to their breeding grounds as far north as Canada. These vibrant avians, adorned in shades of yellow and green, gracefully traverse from one habitat to another in a brilliant display, serenading the surroundings with an enchanting symphony of diverse melodies.
Renowned as wood-warblers, these North American species predominantly inhabit woodland and forested areas. It’s worth noting that one might even experience the peculiar “warbler neck,” characterized by the discomforting stiffness and tingling sensation in one’s neck from straining to observe these enchanting creatures perched high among the treetops using binoculars.
Primarily insectivorous, warblers occasionally pay visits to backyard feeders in search of seeds or delectable mealworms. Avail yourself of the opportunity to explore the array of avian species regularly gracing Mississippi’s landscapes by obtaining a complimentary identification chart.
This comprehensive guide serves as a reliable aid in identifying the commonly sighted warbler species in Mississippi, utilizing data amassed from bird enthusiasts on ebird and referencing the authoritative avibase database. Through this resource, you’ll acquire genuine insights into the temporal patterns and ideal spotting opportunities for each species.
Delve into the realm of warblers presented within this guide, where you can not only acquaint yourself with their unique songs but also explore a supplementary compendium featuring 13 easily recognizable warbler melodies, designed to facilitate your auditory identification.
Warblers Present in Mississippi Throughout the Seasons:
Warblers Occurring Year-round in Mississippi:
Pine Warbler
Warblers Visiting Mississippi During the Summer:
Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Prothonotary Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Yellow-throated Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Swainson’s Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler
Warblers Wintering in Mississippi:
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler
Warblers Passing Through Mississippi During Migration:
American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Blackburnian Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Canada Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler
A Total of 16 Warbler Species in Mississippi:
1. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers, heralds of winter, grace Mississippi’s landscapes from September to May. The optimal months for spotting them lie between October and April, as indicated by 36% of winter checklists submitted by diligent birdwatchers across the state.
These avian beauties sport gray plumage adorned with flashes of yellow on their faces, sides, and rumps, accentuated by white wings. While females may exhibit a slight brown hue, winter individuals don a paler brown attire, accompanied by vibrant yellow rumps and sides that gradually transition to yellow and gray with the onset of spring.
Two distinct subspecies exist: the Myrtle Warbler, found in the eastern US and the boreal forests of Canada, which lacks the yellow throat, and the Audubon’s Warbler, native to the western US, featuring additional white wing patches.
- 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 predominantly breed in Canada, the Rockies, and the Appalachian mountains. During migration, they traverse the Midwest before seeking respite in the southern and southwestern US states, as well as along the Pacific Coast, extending their journey as far as Mexico and Central America.
These charming birds favor coniferous forests, particularly during the breeding season, while venturing into open areas with fruit-bearing shrubs during winter. Their diet primarily comprises insects during summer and migration, with a shift towards fruit consumption, including bayberry and wax myrtle, during winter.
Listen to the Song of the Yellow-rumped Warbler:
Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC602699. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/602699.
Yellow-rumped Warblers construct their nests in conifer trees, expertly weaving twigs, pine needles, and grass before lining the cozy abodes with soft grass, moss, and hair. Their clutches consist of up to six eggs, which hatch after approximately two weeks, followed by an additional fortnight before the young fledge the nest.
Entice these delightful visitors to your backyard by offering a delightful array of sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and peanut butter.
Fun Fact: During the winter months, Yellow-rumped Warblers form immense flocks, numbering in the thousands. Fiercely territorial, they display aggression towards intruding species that dare to encroach upon their vicinity.
2. Pine Warbler
Pine Warblers, a constant presence throughout the year in Mississippi, grace the state’s landscapes perpetually. They manifest in 13% of summer checklists and 16% of winter checklists, diligently documented by devoted bird enthusiasts.
Resplendent in their plump, yellow plumage, Pine Warblers exhibit olive-toned backs, white lower bellies, and gray wingbars. While males boast vibrant hues, females possess a slightly browner appearance, with increased white pigmentation on their bellies.
- Setophaga pinus
- Length: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (9-15 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 inches (19-23 cm)
These dainty warblers breed in the northeastern US states before venturing southward into the southeastern US states. Certain individuals choose to remain within the southeastern US states throughout the year.
Pine Warblers favor pine forests, as their name implies, frequently perching atop lofty trees. Their diet primarily consists of caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and various other insects and larvae. In colder climates, they readily consume fruit and seeds.
Listen to the Song of the Pine Warbler:
Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC602052. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/602052.
Nests of Pine Warblers, naturally, grace the branches of pine trees. Constructed from twigs, bark, pine needles, and grass, these cozy sanctuaries are further fortified with spider silk and lined with feathers and animal hair. Clutches of up to five eggs require approximately two weeks to hatch, followed by another ten days before the fledglings venture forth.
Welcome Pine Warblers to your yard by providing tube feeders and platform feeders stocked with millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and suet. Additionally, plant native fruits and vines such as bayberry, grape, sumac, and Virginia creeper.
Fun Fact: Pine Warblers are among the few warbler species that predominantly consume seeds. Consequently, they are more inclined to visit backyard feeders, providing excellent opportunities for observation.
3. Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats grace southern Mississippi throughout the year, with a more prominent presence in the state’s northern regions during the breeding season. Summer checklists account for 16% of their sightings, while winter checklists capture 3% of their appearances.
These diminutive songbirds exhibit brownish hues on their backs, accentuated by vibrant yellow plumage adorning their underbellies. Males sport a distinguishing black mask across their faces. However, the intensity of their yellow pigmentation may vary geographically, with some populations displaying a more olive-toned hue underneath.
- 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 engage in breeding activities throughout most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. Some individuals remain year-round along the Gulf Coast and the Pacific Southwest, migrating southwards during winter.
These charming warblers often inhabit marshy or wetland areas, thriving amidst dense, tangled vegetation.
Listen to the Song of the Common Yellowthroat:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC629250. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/629250.
Nests of Common Yellowthroats, carefully crafted by females, nestle near the ground in marshy locales, supported by sturdy reeds. Grass and sedges form the primary building materials, interwoven into a cup-shaped structure. Clutches typically consist of up to six eggs, requiring approximately twelve days to hatch, followed by a similar duration before the fledglings venture forth.
Entice Common Yellowthroats to your spacious backyard, teeming with dense vegetation and native plants that provide a haven for insects.
Fun Fact: The black mask donned by male Common Yellowthroats serves as a visual cue to courtship-seeking males, triggering territorial aggression towards perceived interlopers. Interestingly, these feisty defenders do not assail decoy birds that lack the distinctive mask.
4. Northern Parula
The breeding season in Mississippi welcomes the vibrant presence of Northern Parulas, with sightings encompassing 10% of summer checklists. These striking warblers predominantly grace the state’s landscapes from March to October.
Northern Parulas boast a captivating contrast of blueish-gray and yellow plumage. Their backs display a beautiful bluish-gray hue, adorned with a yellow patch, while two white wingbars add an elegant touch to their appearance.
Males sport a chestnut band that separates their yellow throat from their chest, a feature shared with females. Although females appear slightly paler, both sexes exhibit the distinctive chestnut marking. Juveniles, on the other hand, possess a more subdued coloration.
- Setophaga americana
- Length: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.4 ounces (5-11 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm)
Breeding populations of Northern Parulas can be found in eastern US states and southeastern Canada before embarking on a southward migration to Central America and the Caribbean for winter. Some individuals choose to spend the winter in southern Florida.
These captivating warblers are frequently sighted in deciduous forests, foraging high up among the branches in pursuit of insects.
Listen to the Song of the Northern Parula:
Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC599828. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/599828.
Nests of Northern Parulas are expertly constructed within long clumps of lichen and moss, elegantly cascading from tree branches. Spotting them requires directing your gaze towards substantial clusters of hanging moss during the summer months.
To attract Northern Parulas to your backyard, consider incorporating native trees and shrubs, particularly those that bear berries, while also creating brush piles to foster insect-friendly habitats.
Fun Fact: In the realm of Northern Parulas, it is the females who shoulder the responsibility of rearing the young. From incubating the eggs to feeding the hatchlings, these industrious females manage the nurturing duties. Meanwhile, the males contribute by serenading their surroundings with melodious songs and dutifully removing fecal sacs from the nest.
5. Prothonotary Warbler
March marks the arrival of Prothonotary Warblers in Mississippi, where they grace the landscapes until mid-October. These captivating warblers feature in 11% of summer checklists, enchanting observers with their vibrant presence.
Resplendent in bright yellow plumage, Prothonotary Warblers flaunt blue-gray wings and tails. They possess a relatively larger size compared to other warbler species, characterized by their robust black beaks and a distinguishing white under-tail. Females exhibit a slightly less vibrant appearance than their male counterparts.
- Protonotaria citrea
- Length: 5.1 inches (13 cm)
- Weight: 0.44 ounces (12.5 g)
- Wingspan: 8.75 inches (22 cm)
Breeding populations of Prothonotary Warblers predominantly reside in eastern US states, while they seek respite in Mexico and parts of northern South America during the winter months.
These captivating birds can be found near streams and in wet woodlands, where they diligently forage for spiders, insects, and snails. During the winter season, they may also supplement their diet with fruit and seeds.
Listen to the Song of the Prothonotary Warbler:
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC565451. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/565451.
Nests of Prothonotary Warblers occupy abandoned woodpecker nest holes located near water sources. The male warbler initiates nest-building by placing moss within the cavity, while the female takes charge of creating a cup-shaped structure using grass, leaves, and other plant materials.
Clutches typically consist of up to seven eggs, requiring approximately two weeks to hatch. Once the young hatch, it takes them another ten days to fledge from the nest.
To attract Prothonotary Warblers to your backyard, consider providing a suitable nest box if you reside near wetland areas.
Fun Fact: The name “Prothonotary” finds its origin in the bright yellow robes worn by members of the Roman Catholic church. These striking warblers, with their radiant yellow plumage, bear a resemblance to the distinguished attire, thus earning them their distinctive moniker.
6. Hooded Warbler
The enchanting melodies of Hooded Warblers can be heard in Mississippi from March to October, capturing the attention of birdwatchers and earning a place in 8% of summer checklists.
Male Hooded Warblers are a sight to behold, with their bright yellow faces adorned by a distinct black hood and throat. Their upper bodies exhibit an olive-green hue, while the underparts boast a vibrant yellow coloration. A striking white patch is revealed when they flick their tails upwards. Females and immature individuals possess a more subdued yellow coloration and lack the black facial markings.
- Setophaga citrina
- Length: 5.1 inches (13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-12 g)
- Wingspan: 6.9 inches (17.5 cm)
Hooded Warblers breed in the eastern US states before embarking on their southward migration to Central America and the Caribbean for the winter. Some individuals may choose to remain in Florida throughout the year.
These delightful warblers can often be found in forests with dense understories, as they navigate the tangled vegetation in search of insects and spiders.
Listen to the Song of the Hooded Warbler:
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC425019. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/425019.
Nests of Hooded Warblers are typically located near forests and clearings, built within shrubs using a combination of bark, grass, and other plant materials. The nest is skillfully woven into a cup shape, providing a secure haven. Clutches generally consist of around four eggs, which require approximately twelve days to hatch. Another nine days elapse before the fledglings are ready to leave the nest and explore the world.
To attract Hooded Warblers to your backyard, incorporate native shrubs and plants that provide both food and shelter for insects. Creating a welcoming environment with ample vegetation can entice these beautiful birds to visit.
Fun Fact: Hooded Warblers possess white spots on their tails. It is believed that these spots startle insects, making them easier to catch, showcasing the clever adaptations of these warblers.
7. Yellow-breasted Chat
During the summer months, the vibrant presence of Yellow-breasted Chats graces Mississippi’s landscapes, captivating birdwatchers from April to September. These charismatic birds appear in 15% of summer checklists, adding their unique charm to the avian tapestry.
Yellow-breasted Chats exhibit bright yellow breasts and long tails. Their olive-gray backs and gray heads are adorned with striking white markings around the eyes and chin. The lower part of their bellies is white, creating a vivid contrast with their plumage.
- Icteria virens
- Length: 7.1 inches (18 cm)
- Weight: 0.8-1.1 ounces (23-31 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8 inches (25 cm)
Breeding populations of Yellow-breasted Chats can be found across most US states, extending slightly into southern Canada. During winter, they migrate to Central America and coastal Mexico.
Blackberry bushes, fields, and forest edges serve as favored habitats for Yellow-breasted Chats, as they forage on a diet of spiders, insects, and berries.
Listen to the Song of the Yellow-breasted Chat:
Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC512276. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/512276.
Nests of Yellow-breasted Chats are strategically hidden within shrubs, skillfully constructed using grass, leaves, and plant materials intricately woven into a cup shape. It is worth noting that these nests are often targeted by Brown-headed Cowbirds, which lay their eggs in them, leading the Yellow-breasted Chats to unknowingly raise the cowbird chicks alongside their own. Clutches typically consist of up to six eggs, requiring around eleven days to hatch. The young birds will spend up to ten days in the nest before they fledge and venture forth.
Fun Fact: Male Yellow-breasted Chats engage in unique territorial behavior, grappling with their feet during confrontations. In addition, they perform impressive flight displays while singing, descending toward the ground with a flourish of their wings.
8. Palm Warbler
Palm Warblers make their appearance in Mississippi during the winter months, from September to May, as recorded in approximately 4% of checklists during this period.
These distinctive warblers display a rusty red patch on the top of their heads and a browny-olive coloration throughout the rest of their bodies. Birds in the western regions tend to have whiter bellies. Male and female Palm Warblers exhibit similar appearances during the breeding season, while non-breeding individuals feature duller crowns.
- Setophaga palmarum
- Length: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (7-13 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9-8.3 inches (20-21 cm)
Predominantly breeding in Canada, Palm Warblers can be spotted during migration in eastern US states. Some individuals choose to spend their winters in Florida and along the southeastern coast.
These charming warblers are often observed during spring and fall migration in weedy fields, forest edges, and scrubby areas. They can frequently be found foraging on the ground for insects, often mingling with other birds such as Sparrows, Juncos, and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Listen to the Song of the Palm Warbler:
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC189604. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/189604.
Nests of Palm Warblers are typically situated in bogs and boreal forests on the ground. These nests are constructed using grass, sedge, and ferns woven into a cup shape and lined with soft grass, feathers, and animal hair. Clutches generally consist of around five eggs.
To attract Palm Warblers to your backyard, consider planting native plants that attract insects, as well as providing bayberry or hawthorn shrubs that bear berries.
Fun Fact: Unlike many other warbler species, Palm Warblers are known to walk on the ground, bobbing their tails while foraging for insects. This distinctive behavior sets them apart from their airborne counterparts.
9. Orange-crowned Warbler
During the winter months in Mississippi, Orange-crowned Warblers make their presence known, observed in approximately 6% of checklists from mid-September to April.
Orange-crowned Warblers possess a more understated appearance compared to their vibrant warbler counterparts. Their plumage displays a yellow-olive coloration, with individuals along the Pacific Coast exhibiting a more pronounced yellow hue. The orange crown, from which their name originates, is rarely visible. Males and females share a similar appearance during the breeding season, while juveniles have a grayer coloration.
- 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)
Breeding populations of Orange-crowned Warblers can be found in Canada and western US states. During migration, these warblers can be spotted across all US states, excluding the northeastern region. They migrate to various destinations, including the Pacific, East and Gulf Coasts, and Mexico. Some individuals may also choose to remain in Florida during the winter.
Shrubs and low-lying vegetation serve as favored habitats for Orange-crowned Warblers. They forage on a diet primarily composed of spiders and insects such as caterpillars and flies. Additionally, they readily visit backyard feeders, where they enjoy fruit, berries, and seeds.
Listen to the Song of the Orange-crowned Warbler:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC671865. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/671865.
Nests of Orange-crowned Warblers are typically located near or on the ground. Constructed from dead leaves, twigs, stems, and lined with soft grass and animal hair, these nests provide a cozy haven for their clutches, which consist of up to six eggs.
To attract Orange-crowned Warblers to your yard, consider offering suet, peanut butter, or hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water nectar.
Fun Fact: Orange-crowned Warblers have been observed drinking sap from the sapwells created by sapsuckers and woodpeckers, displaying their resourcefulness and adaptability.
10. Yellow-throated Warbler
During the summer months, Mississippi becomes home to the Yellow-throated Warbler, with sightings occurring from April to September. They are recorded in approximately 4% of checklists during this time.
Yellow-throated Warblers showcase gray and white bodies adorned with black stripes and, as the name suggests, bright yellow throats. Their white bellies and tails become evident when viewed from below. Females and juveniles possess a slightly paler appearance compared to their male counterparts.
- Setophaga dominica
- Length: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
- Wingspan: 8.3 inches (21 cm)
Breeding populations of Yellow-throated Warblers can be found across the southeastern US states. During winter, they migrate to Florida, the Caribbean, and along the Gulf Coast, with some individuals remaining in Florida year-round.
These warblers are often found at the tops of pine trees, skillfully navigating the branches in search of insects. They may also forage at lower levels during migration.
Listen to the Song of the Yellow-throated Warbler:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC460438. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/460438.
Nests of Yellow-throated Warblers are constructed near forests and clearings, typically in Spanish moss hanging from tree branches. Grass, leaves, and plant
materials are intricately woven together to form a cup-shaped nest. Clutches consist of around four eggs, which require up to two weeks to hatch.
To attract Yellow-throated Warblers to your backyard, incorporate native plants and create wild and unkept areas that provide suitable habitats for insects and nesting materials.
Fun Fact: Yellow-throated Warblers have experienced a remarkable increase in population numbers in recent years. Despite a decline in their range and population in the past, they have made a remarkable recovery, with their numbers rising by 50% since 1966.
11. Black-and-white Warbler
Black-and-white Warblers grace Mississippi during migration, making appearances from March to October. They are often observed in 5% of checklists during this period.
True to their name, these warblers exhibit a striking black-and-white pattern on their feathers. Their backs display black stripes, while their underparts are predominantly white. Males and females share a similar appearance.
- Mniotilta varia
- Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-12 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Black-and-white Warblers breed in Canada and the northeastern US states, migrating through the eastern US states during the spring and fall. They spend the winter in Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and northern South America.
These agile warblers can often be found foraging on the trunks and branches of trees, utilizing their unique ability to move in a distinct creeping fashion, similar to a nuthatch.
Listen to the Song of the Black-and-white Warbler:
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC590501. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/590501.
Nests of Black-and-white Warblers are built on the ground or in tree cavities, constructed using bark strips, leaves, and grass, and lined with finer materials. Clutches typically consist of up to six eggs.
To attract Black-and-white Warblers to your backyard, provide a variety of trees and woody vegetation that can serve as foraging spots.
Fun Fact: Black-and-white Warblers are the only warblers known to primarily forage on tree trunks, showcasing their unique feeding behavior.
12. Kentucky Warbler
Kentucky Warblers make their presence known in Mississippi during the summer months, appearing from April to September and occurring in 3% of summer checklists.
These warblers display a striking contrast of yellow and olive-green. Their heads and upperparts exhibit an olive-green color, while their underparts are a vibrant yellow. Males and females share a similar appearance.
- Geothlypis formosa
- Length: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
- Weight: 0.5 ounces (14 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9 inches (20 cm)
Kentucky Warblers breed in the southeastern US states before migrating to Central America and northwestern South America for winter.
These birds prefer the dense understory of deciduous forests, where they forage on the ground for insects, spiders, and small invertebrates.
Listen to the Song of the Kentucky Warbler:
Credit: Benjamin Clock, XC663345. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/663345.
Nests of Kentucky Warblers are skillfully constructed on the ground, often nestled in leaf litter or at the base of shrubs. They are made from grasses, leaves, and other plant materials, forming a cup-shaped structure. Clutches consist of around four eggs.
To attract Kentucky Warblers to your backyard, create dense shrubbery and undergrowth to mimic their preferred habitat.
Fun Fact: Male Kentucky Warblers are known for their loud, melodious songs that echo through the forest understory, often described as sounding like “ter-weet, ter-weet, ter-weet.”
13. Prairie Warbler
Mississippi plays host to Prairie Warblers during the summer months, with sightings from April to September, occurring in 5% of summer checklists.
Prairie Warblers are small and brightly colored, displaying a combination of yellow, olive-green, and black. Their heads and upperparts showcase an olive-green coloration, while their underparts are predominantly yellow. Males and females share a similar appearance.
- Setophaga discolor
- Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-12 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Breeding populations of Prairie Warblers can be found in the eastern US states before migrating to the Caribbean and Central America for winter.
These energetic warblers prefer early successional habitats, such as shrubby areas, abandoned fields, and forest edges. They primarily forage for insects and spiders among the foliage.
Listen to the Song of the Prairie Warbler:
Credit: Geoffrey A. Keller, XC496734. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/496734.
Nests of Prairie Warblers are skillfully woven into shrubs or small trees, constructed using grasses, bark, and plant fibers. Clutches consist of around four eggs.
To attract Prairie Warblers to your backyard, provide a mix of shrubs, open areas, and trees to mimic their preferred habitats.
Fun Fact: Prairie Warblers are known for their unique habit of “tail-pumping,” where they rapidly flick their tails up and down while foraging or singing.
14. Louisiana Waterthrush
Louisiana Waterthrushes can be observed in Mississippi during the summer months, appearing from March to October and recorded in 2% of summer checklists.
These warblers display a streaked brown and white pattern on their feathers. They have a white belly, while their upperparts exhibit shades of brown. Their long legs and pinkish legs are adaptations to their aquatic lifestyle. Males and females share a similar appearance.
- Parkesia motacilla
- Length: 5.7-6.7 inches (14.5-17 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-0.8 ounces (16-23 g)
- Wingspan: 9.1 inches (23 cm)
Louisiana Waterthrushes breed in the eastern US states before migrating to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America for winter.
These unique warblers are often found along streams and woodland edges, where they actively forage in and around the water for small invertebrates and aquatic insects.
Listen to the Song of the Louisiana Waterthrush:
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC396559. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/396559.
Nests of Louisiana Waterthrushes are built along streams, typically situated on banks or in root crevices. They construct a bulky nest using leaves, moss, and other plant materials. Clutches consist of around four eggs.
To attract Louisiana Waterthrushes to your backyard, provide a water source such as a birdbath or shallow pool and maintain natural areas near streams or water bodies.
Fun Fact: Louisiana Waterthrushes are known for their distinctive habit of bobbing their bodies up and down while foraging along the water’s edge, resembling the motion of a teetering seesaw.
15. Swainson’s Warbler
Swainson’s Warblers make their presence known in Mississippi during the summer months, appearing from March to October and occurring in less than 1% of summer checklists.
These warblers possess a predominantly brown coloration, with their upperparts exhibiting shades of olive-brown, while their underparts are lighter in color. They have a distinct eyeline and a pale throat. Males and females share a similar appearance.
- Limnothlypis swainsonii
- Length: 5.1 inches (13 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (12-14 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9 inches (20 cm)
Swainson’s Warblers breed in the southeastern US states before migrating to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America for winter.
These secretive warblers prefer swampy and heavily wooded habitats, often found foraging on or near the ground among dense understory vegetation.
Listen to the Song of the Swainson’s Warbler:
Credit: Andrew Spencer, XC581815. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/581815.
Nests of Swainson’s Warblers are skillfully constructed on or near the ground, typically tucked among leaf litter or near the base of shrubs. They are made from leaves, twigs, and other plant materials, forming a cup-shaped structure. Clutches consist of around three eggs.
Due to their secretive nature, attracting Swainson’s Warblers to your backyard can be challenging. Providing dense, swampy habitats with suitable understory vegetation may increase the chances of attracting them.
Fun Fact: Swainson’s Warblers have been described as one of the least known and most secretive bird species in North America, making sightings a special treat for birdwatchers.
16. Worm-eating Warbler
Worm-eating Warblers can be spotted in Mississippi during the summer months, appearing from April to September and occurring in less than 1% of summer checklists.
These warblers display a primarily brown coloration, with streaks and spots of black on their feathers. They have a distinct white eyebrow stripe and a pinkish beak. Males and females share a similar appearance.
- Helmitheros vermivorum
- Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-12 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Worm-eating Warblers breed in the southeastern US states before migrating to Central America for winter.
These unique warblers are often found in forests with a dense understory, where they forage on or near the ground for insects, particularly caterpillars and spiders.
Listen to the Song of the Worm-eating Warbler:
Credit: Geoffrey A. Keller, XC379760. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/379760.
Nests of Worm-eating Warblers are skillfully constructed on or near the ground, typically concealed among leaf litter or at the base of shrubs. They are made from leaves, grasses, and other plant materials, forming a cup-shaped structure. Clutches consist of around three eggs.
To attract Worm-eating Warblers to your backyard, create suitable understory habitats with native shrubs and dense vegetation.
Fun Fact: Despite their name, Worm-eating Warblers primarily feed on insects, particularly caterpillars, and are not solely reliant on worms for their diet.
These are just a few examples of the warbler species that can be found in Mississippi. The state is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering diverse habitats and seasonal migrations that attract a wide variety of warblers. Exploring the natural landscapes and observing these beautiful birds in their natural habitats is a rewarding experience for any nature lover.
Warbler Sounds: What Are Their Melodies?
The melodious tunes of warblers often reach your ears before catching sight of these charming birds. Familiarizing yourself with a few of their songs can aid in identifying the avian species you encounter. Fortunately, certain warbler songs possess distinctiveness that sets them apart.
Describing warbler songs can range from buzzy to clear or even trilling, encompassing various melodic elements. A buzzy note resembles the sound of an insect, while a clear note resonates like a whistle. The trill, on the other hand, moves so swiftly that individual notes become indiscernible.
In this comprehensive guide, you can listen to the songs of all the warblers. To facilitate recognition, refer to the accompanying guide featuring 13 easily identifiable warbler songs.
Warblers with Buzzy Songs:
– The song of the Black-throated Blue Warbler ascends while maintaining a buzzy quality.
– Prairie Warblers also produce rising and buzzy songs.
– Black-throated Green Warblers incorporate buzzy elements with a few clear notes in the middle.
– Blackpoll Warblers emit clear and steady sounds reminiscent of insect buzzing.
– Prairie Warblers produce a buzzy song that gradually rises in pitch.
– Palm Warblers contribute to the collection of buzzy songs.
Warblers with Songs Featuring Clear Notes:
– Common Yellowthroats deliver a series of rising and falling notes that are then repeated.
– Ovenbirds serenade with a sequence of notes that rise and fall.
– Hooded Warblers also showcase clear notes in their songs.
– Chestnut-sided Warblers offer a series of clear descending notes that accelerate towards the end.
– Yellow-rumped Warblers communicate through a succession of clear notes that gradually fade away.
– Yellow Warblers infuse their songs with increasing speed.
– Northern Parulas captivate with a rising trill that concludes with a distinctive note, akin to a period.
– Wilson’s Warblers contribute a sequence of clear descending notes that hasten.
Frequency of Warbler Sightings in Mississippi during Summer and Winter
Checklists serve as valuable resources to ascertain the common bird species found within your state. These lists provide insights into the warbler species most frequently recorded on eBird checklists during the summer and winter seasons in Mississippi.
Summer Warblers in Mississippi:
– Common Yellowthroat: 16.0%
– Yellow-breasted Chat: 15.1%
– Pine Warbler: 13.4%
– Prothonotary Warbler: 11.9%
– Northern Parula: 10.2%
– Hooded Warbler: 8.5%
– Kentucky Warbler: 6.2%
– Yellow-throated Warbler: 4.3%
– Prairie Warbler: 3.9%
– American Redstart: 3.5%
– Black-and-white Warbler: 3.0%
– Swainson’s Warbler: 2.5%
– Yellow Warbler: 2.2%
– Louisiana Waterthrush: 2.2%
– Tennessee Warbler: 2.1%
– Magnolia Warbler: 1.7%
– Chestnut-sided Warbler: 1.2%
– Worm-eating Warbler: 1.0%
– Black-throated Green Warbler: 0.8%
– Bay-breasted Warbler: 0.8%
– Blackburnian Warbler: 0.7%
– Ovenbird: 0.6%
– Blackpoll Warbler: 0.6%
– Northern Waterthrush: 0.5%
– Yellow-rumped Warbler: 0.4%
– Palm Warbler: 0.3%
– Canada Warbler: 0.3%
– Nashville Warbler: 0.2%
– Blue-winged Warbler: 0.1%
– Cerulean Warbler: 0.1%
– Mourning Warbler: 0.1%
– Golden-winged Warbler: 0.1%
– Wilson’s Warbler: 0.1%
– Cape May Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Black-throated Blue Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Orange-crowned Warbler: Less than 0.1%
Winter Warblers in Mississippi:
– Yellow-rumped Warbler: 36.0%
– Pine Warbler: 16.9%
– Orange-crowned Warbler: 6.0%
– Palm Warbler: 4.0%
– Common Yellowthroat: 3.6%
– Wilson’s Warbler: 0.1%
– Yellow-throated Warbler: 0.1%
– Black-and-white Warbler: 0.1%
– Northern Parula: Less than 0.1%
– Yellow-breasted Chat: Less than 0.1%
– Prairie Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– American Redstart: Less than 0.1%
– Hooded Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Yellow Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Tennessee Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Black-throated Green Warbler: Less than 0.1%
How to Attract Warblers to Your Backyard
Although warblers may not flock to backyard feeders as readily as other songbirds, there are strategies to entice these melodious avian companions to your yard:
– If your yard permits, provide an array of trees.
– Embrace a slightly untidy landscape by leaving brush piles to create a habitat for insects, which in turn attract birds.
– Avoid using pesticides or herbicides to maintain an abundant insect population for the birds to feed on.
– Ensure a clean water source is available.
– Offer mealworms, preferably live, but dried alternatives can also suffice.
– Set up bird feeders stocked with sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and suet.