Discover an informative handbook that will assist you in identifying the diverse array of warbler species commonly found in North Dakota. Through detailed photo identification and descriptions, along with captivating audio recordings of their melodious songs and intriguing fun facts, this guide has it all.
Warblers, these petite migratory songbirds, embark on remarkable journeys spanning vast distances, traveling from as far as South America to their breeding grounds as remote as Canada. These vibrant and lively creatures dash through the transition from breeding to wintering grounds, exhibiting a dazzling display of yellow and green feathers, accompanied by a marvelous medley of songs.
Renowned as wood-warblers, the North American warblers predominantly inhabit woodlands and forests. While observing them, you may find yourself experiencing the peculiar phenomenon known as warbler neck—an uncomfortable stiffness and tingling sensation in the neck resulting from prolonged tilting of the head upwards, aided by binoculars, in an attempt to spot these elusive birds perched high in the trees.
Although warblers predominantly feed on insects, they occasionally pay visits to backyard feeders, enticed by seeds or mealworms. In addition to identifying warblers, this guide also provides information on other bird species that frequent North Dakota, and it offers a printable chart for easy identification.
Rest assured, this guide is designed to help you recognize the warbler species commonly sighted in North Dakota. Drawing data from the reputable avibase and utilizing information collected by avid bird watchers on ebird, it provides authentic insights into the specific periods when these marvelous birds are likely to be observed.
To enhance your warbler identification skills, this guide offers the opportunity to listen to their enchanting songs and provides a comprehensive overview of distinct song types exhibited by warblers. For additional assistance, you can explore a separate guide dedicated to 13 easily recognizable warbler songs.
Warblers in North Dakota exhibit distinctive seasonal patterns:
During the summer, keep an eye out for the Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, and Yellow-breasted Chat.
As migration season arrives, watch for the Yellow-rumped Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Palm Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Canada Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Golden-winged Warbler.
A total of 22 warbler species can be found in North Dakota, including:
1. Yellow Warbler
In North Dakota, the Yellow Warbler is frequently observed during the breeding season, typically spanning from May to September. These delightful creatures grace approximately 34% of summer checklists submitted by enthusiastic bird watchers across the state.
Sporting bright yellow plumage with a yellow-green back, male Yellow Warblers possess chestnut streaks adorning their breasts. In contrast, females and juveniles exhibit less vibrant colors and lack these distinctive streaks.
Scientific Name: 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 undertake extensive migrations, breeding in Canada and the United States, excluding southeastern regions, before heading to Central and South America for the winter. However, they can be spotted during migration in the southeastern United States.
These lively warblers can often be found near streams, wetlands, and field edges, eagerly foraging for insects such as caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
Fun Fact: An intriguing aspect of Yellow Warblers’ nesting behavior is their response to cowbirds. When cowbirds lay their eggs in Yellow Warblers’ nests, these diligent parents build new nests on top of the existing ones, effectively starting afresh—sometimes up to six times!
2. Common Yellowthroat
During the breeding season, North Dakota is graced by the presence of Common Yellowthroats, which appear in approximately 21% of summer checklists. Their stay extends from mid-April to October.
Common Yellowthroats, small songbirds, possess brownish plumage on their backs and a vibrant yellow hue on their undersides, complemented by long tails. Males boast black masks adorning their faces. Geographical variations may cause slight variations in their yellow shade, and their undersides may lean toward olive tones in some regions.
Scientific Name: 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 extensively across most of North America, except for Alaska and northern Canada. Some individuals remain year-round along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest, while others embark on a migratory journey southward.
These charming birds are often found in marshy or wetland areas and brushy fields, taking refuge amidst dense, tangled vegetation.
Fun Fact: Male Common Yellowthroats employ their black masks as a visual cue during courtship. When presented with decoy birds lacking masks, these males readily initiate aggressive behavior, attacking the intruder. However, in the absence of masks, they remain unperturbed.
3. Yellow-rumped Warbler
During migration, Yellow-rumped Warblers grace North Dakota with their presence from April to May and again from mid-August to October. They feature in nearly 48% of checklists during these migratory periods.
Yellow-rumped Warblers sport gray plumage highlighted by vibrant yellow patches on their face, sides, and rump, with contrasting white wings. Females may exhibit a slightly browner appearance, while winter birds present paler brown hues, accompanied by bright yellow rumps and sides that transition back to yellow and gray during spring.
Scientific Name: 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, as well as in parts of the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains. During migration, they traverse the Midwest before seeking refuge in southern and southwestern United States, along the Pacific Coast, and extending into Mexico and Central America.
Coniferous forests provide a favored habitat for Yellow-rumped Warblers during the breeding season. In winter, they can be found in open areas where fruiting shrubs are plentiful. During summer, their diet primarily consists of insects, while migration and winter months see a shift towards a fruit-based diet, including bayberries and wax myrtle.
Fun Fact: Yellow-rumped Warblers display gregarious tendencies during winter, forming flocks that can number in the thousands. They vigorously defend their territory against intruders from other species.
4. American Redstart
American Redstarts make their presence known in North Dakota from May to mid-October, featuring in approximately 10% of summer checklists.
With predominantly black plumage adorned by striking orange patches and a white belly, American Redstarts captivate observers. Females differ from males, exhibiting an olive-gray appearance with yellow patches.
Scientific Name: 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)
Breeding populations of American Redstarts are found in eastern United States and Canada, extending into northwestern United States. During migration, they can be spotted in central and western states.
Deciduous woodlands serve as preferred habitats for these striking birds, where they actively seek out insects for sustenance. They also frequent backyards and thickets, making use of berries such as serviceberry and magnolia as a food source.
Fun Fact: American Redstart parents exhibit selective feeding behavior, focusing on specific chicks rather than providing for all offspring equally.
5. Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers are primarily observed during spring and fall migration in North Dakota, accounting for up to 27% of checklists during these periods.
Distinguished by their subtly colored plumage, Orange-crowned Warblers sport a yellow-olive hue, which tends to lean more towards yellow tones on the Pacific Coast. The orange crown, for which they are named, is rarely visible. Both males and females possess similar appearances, while juveniles exhibit grayer shades.
Scientific Name: 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 and various western United States regions before embarking on migration journeys to the Pacific, East, and Gulf Coasts, as well as Mexico. They can be encountered during migration throughout the United States, excluding the northeastern region.
Shrubs and low-lying vegetation serve as preferred habitats for Orange-crowned Warblers. During breeding season, they thrive in open woodlands. Their diet primarily consists of spiders and insects such as caterpillars and flies. They also display a fondness for fruit, berries, and seeds, and are frequent visitors to backyard feeders.
Fun Fact: Orange-crowned Warblers often indulge in drinking from the sapwells created by sapsuckers and woodpeckers.
6. Black-and-white Warbler
Black-and-white Warblers spend their breeding season in North Dakota, although their numbers increase during migration. They are recorded in approximately 6% of summer checklists and up to 15% of checklists during migration.
With their striking striped appearance, Black-and-white Warblers are relatively easy to identify. Males possess a large black patch across the eye and cheek, appearing darker than females.
Scientific Name: 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)
Breeding populations of Black-and-white Warblers can be found in the eastern United States and Canada. They migrate southward during winter, with destinations including Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Baja California, and northern South America. They can be sighted during migration in central United States.
These captivating warblers display distinctive behavior, often hopping up and down tree trunks and branches in search of insects.
Fun Fact: Black-and-white Warblers construct their nests hidden close to or on the ground, often beneath logs or shrubs. Woven from bark, grass, and pine needles, the nests assume a cup-like structure. They lay around five eggs, requiring approximately eleven days to hatch, followed by an additional ten days for the young to leave the nest.
7. Tennessee Warbler
Tennessee Warblers are typically observed during migration in North Dakota, occurring from May to October. They feature in 24% of checklists during spring migration and 10% of checklists during fall migration.
Males of the Tennessee Warbler species exhibit gray heads, green backs, and whitish pale undersides. Females possess a greener appearance with yellow undersides and green heads. Males possess a white eyestripe, while females display a yellow eyestripe. These warblers possess white undertails.
Scientific Name: 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 undertake long migrations from Central America to Canada. During migration, they can be sighted across eastern United States.
Woodlands serve as favored habitats for Tennessee Warblers, where they primarily feed on caterpillars while perched on trees and shrubs.
Fun Fact: Although the name suggests a close association with Tennessee, these warblers do not breed or spend a significant amount of time in that region. They were initially named after Tennessee, the location of their first sighting, and the name stuck.
8. Ovenbird
Ovenbirds can be found in North Dakota from May to mid-October, accounting for 5% of summer checklists and up to 13% of checklists during spring migration.
Ovenbirds exhibit a comparatively drab appearance among warblers, characterized by olive-green backs and black-and-white spotted undersides.
Scientific Name: 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)
Breeding populations of Ovenbirds can be found in northeastern United States and Canada, as well as the Midwest and northwestern Canada. During migration, they traverse eastern United States. Wintering grounds include Florida, Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean.
Ovenbirds forage on the ground amidst forested areas, actively searching for insects among leaf litter.
Fun Fact: Ovenbirds derive their name from the distinctive domed nests they construct, resembling traditional Dutch ovens in shape.
9. Blackpoll Warbler
Blackpoll Warblers are classified as near-threatened species in North Dakota, observed during migration from May to June and August to September. They feature in approximately 18% of checklists during spring migration and 5% of checklists during fall migration.
Males of the Blackpoll Warbler species exhibit black-and-white streaked plumage, accompanied by a black cap and white cheeks. Females possess similar black-and-white patterns but lack the black cap and white cheeks.
During late summer, Blackpoll Warblers undergo a molt, transitioning into yellow plumage with darker streaks on their backs.
Scientific Name: Setophaga striata
Length: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (12-13 g)
Wingspan: 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 cm)
Blackpoll Warblers breed in Canada and are spotted during spring migration in eastern United States. In fall, they embark on extensive migrations to winter grounds in South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
Forests serve as favored habitats for Blackpoll Warblers, where they actively feed on spiders and insects. During the fall season, they exhibit a fondness for fruit, such as honeysuckle and pokeberry.
Fun Fact: Blackpoll Warblers undertake a remarkable non-stop flight over the Atlantic Ocean during their fall migration, spanning from their breeding grounds to South America. In contrast, during spring migration, they make a stopover in the Caribbean before continuing their journey over land.
10. Northern Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrushes migrate across North Dakota, primarily from mid-April to June and August to mid-October. However, a few individuals also remain in the state for the breeding season.
Northern Waterthrushes resemble thrushes, displaying similar traits between males and females. They possess brown heads with thick white eyebrows, dark brown backs, and white bellies adorned with pronounced streaks that extend from their throats to their rumps.
Scientific Name: 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 United States before migrating to Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Some individuals remain year-round in Central and South America.
These captivating warblers favor dark, woody swamps, thickets, and bogs. Any still or sluggish water sources within forests are likely to attract Northern Waterthrushes. In tropical wintering grounds, they often seek refuge amidst mangroves.
Northern Waterthrushes exhibit both aquatic and terrestrial foraging behavior, skillfully walking on shallow water in search of water beetles, mosquitoes, slugs, crustaceans, snails, and occasionally small fish. They also feed on caterpillars, moths, and ants, often found beneath leaves.
Fun Fact: Northern Waterthrushes possess a unique walking behavior, bobbing their tails while moving on the ground, creating an appearance of imbalance.
11. Chestnut-sided Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warblers can be found in North Dakota during migration, primarily in May and September. They appear in approximately 8% of checklists during spring migration and 3% of checklists during fall migration.
With their vibrant plumage, Chestnut-sided Warblers showcase a striking combination of bright yellow on their sides, white undersides, and chestnut-colored streaks on their sides and crown.
Scientific Name: Setophaga pensylvanica
Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
Breeding populations of Chestnut-sided Warblers can be found in eastern United States and Canada. They embark on migratory journeys to Central and South America for the winter.
These warblers frequent various habitats, including forests, thickets, and regenerating woodlands. They actively forage for insects, often capturing them mid-air.
Fun Fact: Male Chestnut-sided Warblers defend their territories by singing complex songs, which consist of musical phrases interspersed with buzzy trills.
12. Mourning Warbler
Mourning Warblers are sporadically observed in North Dakota during migration, appearing in May and September. They account for approximately 2% of checklists during both spring and fall migration.
Mourning Warblers possess subtle yet elegant plumage, characterized by olive-green backs, yellow undersides, and a distinct black mask across their face.
Scientific Name: Geothlypis philadelphia
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-7.5 inches (18-19 cm)
Breeding populations of Mourning Warblers can be found in eastern United States and Canada. During migration, they undertake extensive journeys to winter grounds in Central and South America.
These warblers primarily inhabit dense undergrowth and shrubby habitats, where they actively forage for insects.
Fun Fact: The melodious song of the Mourning Warbler has been described as a series of rich, flutelike notes, which gradually rise and fall in pitch.
13. Canada Warbler
Canada Warblers are occasionally spotted during migration in North Dakota, primarily in May and September. They feature in approximately 4% of checklists during spring migration and 2% of checklists during fall migration.
Distinctive and charismatic, Canada Warblers showcase grayish-blue plumage on their backs, yellow undersides, and striking white eye rings.
Scientific Name: Cardellina canadensis
Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
Canada Warblers breed in northeastern United States and Canada, journeying southward to winter in Central and South America.
These warblers thrive in dense, moist forests, where they actively forage for insects amidst the foliage.
Fun Fact: The Canada Warbler is known for its unique feeding behavior, often flipping over leaves to uncover insects hiding beneath.
14. Blackburnian Warbler
Blackburnian Warblers can be observed during migration in North Dakota, typically in May and September. They are recorded in approximately 5% of checklists during spring migration and 2% of checklists during fall migration.
Featuring vibrant orange throats and bold black and white plumage, Blackburnian Warblers are visually stunning.
Scientific Name: Setophaga fusca
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-8.3 inches (18-21 cm)
Breeding populations of Blackburnian Warblers can be found in northeastern United States and Canada. They migrate southward to winter in Central and South America.
These warblers predominantly inhabit coniferous forests, where they actively search for insects amidst the branches and foliage.
Fun Fact: Blackburnian Warblers are known for their high-pitched, squeaky songs that echo through the forest canopy.
15. Bay-breasted Warbler
Bay-breasted Warblers pass through North Dakota during migration, primarily in May and September. They account for approximately 3% of checklists during both spring and fall migration.
Bay-breasted Warblers display a unique and distinctive plumage, characterized by chestnut-colored crowns, black faces, and streaked sides.
Scientific Name: Setophaga castanea
Length: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-8.7 inches (20-22 cm)
Breeding populations of Bay-breasted Warblers can be found in northeastern United States and Canada. They embark on long migrations to wintering grounds in Central and South America.
These warblers prefer spruce and fir forests, where they actively search for insects amidst the branches.
Fun Fact: Male Bay-breasted Warblers engage in dramatic displays during courtship, including spreading their wings and flaring their tail feathers.
16. Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Green Warblers can be spotted during migration in North Dakota, typically in May and September. They are recorded in approximately 4% of checklists during spring migration and 2% of checklists during fall migration.
With their vibrant green plumage and contrasting black throat, these warblers are visually striking.
Scientific Name: Setophaga virens
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)
Breeding populations of Black-throated Green Warblers can be found in northeastern United States and Canada. They migrate southward to winter in Central America and the Caribbean.
These warblers favor coniferous and mixed forests, actively foraging for insects among the branches and foliage.
Fun Fact: Black-throated Green Warblers possess a distinct song consisting of a buzzy, high-pitched zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee.
17. Golden-winged Warbler
Golden-winged Warblers pass through North Dakota during migration, primarily in May and September. They account for approximately 2% of checklists during both spring and fall migration.
Golden-winged Warblers showcase a unique and striking appearance, with their golden wings contrasting against blue-gray plumage.
Scientific Name: Vermivora chrysoptera
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Breeding populations of Golden-winged Warblers can be found in northeastern United States and Canada. They migrate southward to winter in Central and South America.
These warblers prefer early successional habitats, including young forests and shrubby areas, where they actively search for insects.
Fun Fact: Golden-winged Warblers are known for their unique mating behavior called “wing waving,” in which males flutter their wings as a courtship display.
18. Palm Warbler
Palm Warblers can be observed during migration in North Dakota, typically in May and September. They are recorded in approximately 6% of checklists during spring migration and 3% of checklists during fall migration.
Palm Warblers possess distinctive plumage, characterized by brownish-olive backs, yellow undersides, and chestnut caps.
Scientific Name: Setophaga palmarum
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)
Breeding populations of Palm Warblers can be found in northeastern United States and Canada. They migrate southward to winter in the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and Central America.
These warblers inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and shrubby areas. They actively forage for insects on the ground, frequently wagging their tails.
Fun Fact: Palm Warblers are often associated with wagging their tails, a distinctive behavior that helps distinguish them from other warbler species.
19. Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warblers pass through North Dakota during migration, primarily in May and September. They account for approximately 4% of checklists during spring migration and 2% of checklists during fall migration.
Magnolia Warblers display a unique and eye-catching appearance, featuring a bold black necklace, white undersides, and bright yellow on their faces and chests.
Scientific Name: Setophaga magnolia
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-8.3 inches (18-21 cm)
Breeding populations of Magnolia Warblers can be found in northeastern United States and Canada. They migrate southward to winter in Central and South America.
These warblers inhabit a variety of habitats, including coniferous forests and mixed woodlands. They actively forage for insects, often in the upper branches.
Fun Fact: The name “Magnolia Warbler” was given to this species by naturalist Alexander Wilson, who named them after the magnolia trees where he first encountered them.
20. Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers can be spotted during migration in North Dakota, typically in May and September. They are recorded in approximately 3% of checklists during spring migration and 2% of checklists during fall migration.
Nashville Warblers exhibit a charming appearance, characterized by bright yellow undersides, grayish-olive backs, and a distinct white eye ring.
Scientific Name: Leiothlypis ruficapilla
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
Breeding populations of Nashville Warblers can be found in northeastern United States and Canada. They migrate southward to winter in Central and South America.
These warblers inhabit various habitats, including deciduous forests and shrubby areas. They actively forage for insects amidst the foliage.
Fun Fact: Nashville Warblers are known for their distinctive buzzy song, which has been described as sounding like “zoo zoo zoo-zee.”
21. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers pass through North Dakota during migration, primarily in
May and September. They account for approximately 5% of checklists during spring migration and 3% of checklists during fall migration.
Wilson’s Warblers display a delightful appearance, with bright yellow plumage, olive-green backs, and a distinct black cap.
Scientific Name: Cardellina pusilla
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Breeding populations of Wilson’s Warblers can be found in western United States and Canada. They migrate southward to winter in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
These warblers inhabit various habitats, including forests, thickets, and riparian areas. They actively forage for insects amidst the vegetation.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers are known for their energetic and acrobatic foraging behavior, often hopping and flitting among leaves and branches.
22. Connecticut Warbler
Connecticut Warblers are rare visitors to North Dakota during migration, primarily in May and September. They are recorded in a very small percentage of checklists during both spring and fall migration.
Connecticut Warblers showcase a unique and understated appearance, featuring olive-brown plumage, pale yellow undersides, and a distinct gray hood.
Scientific Name: Oporornis agilis
Length: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Breeding populations of Connecticut Warblers can be found in boreal forests of Canada. They migrate southward to winter in Central and South America.
These warblers favor dense, wet thickets and shrubby habitats, where they actively forage for insects.
Fun Fact: Connecticut Warblers are named after the state of Connecticut, where the first specimen was collected in the early 19th century.
Guide to Warbler Melodies
The enchanting songs of warblers often reach your ears before their vibrant plumage catches your eye. Familiarizing yourself with a few of their melodious tunes will aid in identifying these delightful birds. Fortunately, some warbler songs possess distinctive qualities that set them apart from the rest.
Warblers exhibit a variety of song characteristics, including buzzing, clarity, and trilling. Their melodies may ascend or descend in pitch, accompanied by a medley of different sounds. A buzzing note resembles the hum of an insect, while a clear note resonates like a whistle. Trills, on the other hand, are so rapid that individual notes become indistinguishable.
In this comprehensive song guide, you can listen to the melodic offerings of all the warblers. For additional assistance, refer to this compilation of thirteen easily recognizable warbler songs.
Warblers with Buzzing Melodies:
– The Black-throated Blue Warbler’s song exhibits a rising buzz.
– Prairie Warblers emit buzzing melodies that ascend.
– Black-throated Green Warblers produce buzzing songs with a couple of clear notes interlaced in the middle.
– Blackpoll Warblers sing clear and steady tunes that mimic the buzz of insects.
– Prairie Warblers’ melodies are buzzy and rise in pitch.
– Palm Warblers’ songs possess a distinct buzzy quality.
Warblers with Clear Note Melodies:
– The Common Yellowthroat’s song consists of a sequence of rising and falling notes, repeated for emphasis.
– Ovenbirds sing a sequence of notes that gracefully ascend and descend.
– Hooded Warblers captivate with their clear, melodious notes.
– Chestnut-sided Warblers perform a series of clear, descending notes that accelerate towards the end.
– Yellow-rumped Warblers produce a sequence of crisp notes that gradually fade away.
– Yellow Warblers’ songs quicken in pace.
– Northern Parulas enchant listeners with their rising trill, culminating in a unique note akin to a final punctuation mark.
– Wilson’s Warblers deliver a sequence of clear, descending notes that progressively accelerate.
Warbler Sightings in North Dakota: Summer and Winter Frequencies
To determine the common warbler species in your state, consult checklists, which offer invaluable insights into bird sightings. These lists provide information about the most frequently recorded warblers during summer and winter in North Dakota, based on observations reported on ebird.
Summer Warblers in North Dakota:
– Yellow Warbler: 34.1%
– Common Yellowthroat: 21.7%
– Yellow-rumped Warbler: 11.1%
– American Redstart: 10.1%
– Orange-crowned Warbler: 6.8%
– Tennessee Warbler: 6.4%
– Black-and-white Warbler: 6.3%
– Ovenbird: 5.0%
– Blackpoll Warbler: 4.7%
– Northern Waterthrush: 4.1%
– Yellow-breasted Chat: 3.6%
– Palm Warbler: 3.0%
– Magnolia Warbler: 2.9%
– Nashville Warbler: 2.2%
– Chestnut-sided Warbler: 1.7%
– Wilson’s Warbler: 1.4%
– Mourning Warbler: 1.4%
– Canada Warbler: 0.8%
– Blackburnian Warbler: 0.7%
– Bay-breasted Warbler: 0.6%
– Black-throated Green Warbler: 0.4%
– Golden-winged Warbler: 0.2%
Winter Warblers in North Dakota:
– Yellow-rumped Warbler: <0.1%
– Ovenbird: <0.1%
Attracting Warblers to Your Backyard
Although warblers are not as frequent visitors to backyard feeders as other songbirds, there are methods to entice these melodious creatures to grace your yard with their presence:
– If space permits, provide trees in your yard.
– Embrace a slightly untidy environment, leaving brush piles to create a habitat for insects, which warblers rely on.
– Refrain from using pesticides or herbicides, ensuring an ample insect population for the birds to feed on.
– Install a clean water source to quench their thirst.
– Offer mealworms, preferably live ones, but dried alternatives are acceptable.
– Utilize bird feeders stocked with sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and suet to entice warblers.