Oregon Warblers (Identification, Songs, and Seasonal Guide)
Yellow-breasted Chat
This comprehensive guide provides assistance in identifying the various species of warblers commonly found in Oregon. It includes photo identification, detailed descriptions, audio recordings of their songs, interesting facts, and more.
Warblers are petite migratory songbirds that embark on long journeys, spanning from South America to breeding grounds as far as Canada. These vibrant and active birds, adorned in shades of yellow and green, traverse between their breeding and wintering grounds, serenading the landscape with a mesmerizing array of melodies.
Wood-warblers, also known as North American warblers, are predominantly found in woodlands and forests. Engaging in birdwatching may sometimes lead to “warbler neck,” an uncomfortable stiffness and tingling sensation in the neck caused by constantly gazing upward through binoculars in search of these elusive creatures among the treetops.
While warblers primarily feed on insects, they occasionally visit backyard feeders for seeds or mealworms. Explore the guide further to discover other bird species that frequently visit Oregon and even print a free identification chart.
This guide is designed to aid in the identification of regularly occurring warbler species in Oregon, utilizing data collected from birdwatchers on ebird and referencing avibase for accurate information regarding their seasonal appearances.
For each warbler featured in this guide, you can listen to their songs and access a comprehensive song guide specifically tailored to different warbler species. Additionally, you may find our supplementary guide on recognizing 13 easily distinguishable warbler songs helpful.
Warblers in Oregon by Season
Year-Round Warblers in Oregon: Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler
Summer Warblers in Oregon: Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Hermit Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Nashville Warbler, American Redstart
Winter Warblers in Oregon: Palm Warbler
Migration Warblers in Oregon: Ovenbird, Tennessee Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler
Oregon’s 17 Warbler Species:
1. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers can be observed during the breeding season in Oregon, but their numbers increase significantly during migration in April and October. Some individuals also choose to spend the winter in the region. They are present in 9% of summer checklists, 13% of winter checklists, and appear in up to 40% of checklists during migration.
Yellow-rumped Warblers possess gray plumage accentuated by flashes of yellow on the face, sides, and rump, with white markings on their wings. While females may display a slight brown hue, winter birds exhibit paler brown tones, transforming into vibrant yellow and gray once again during spring.
Two subspecies exist: the Myrtle Warbler, found in the eastern US and Canadian boreal forests, lacks a yellow throat, while the western Audubon’s Warbler boasts additional white wing markings.
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, parts of the Rockies, and the Appalachian Mountains. During migration, they pass through the Midwest before wintering in southern and southwestern US states, along the Pacific Coast, and extending into Mexico and Central America.
Coniferous forests serve as the primary habitat for Yellow-rumped Warblers during the breeding season, while open areas with fruiting shrubs become their preferred wintering grounds. Their diet primarily consists of insects during summer and migration, shifting to fruits like bayberry and wax myrtle during winter.
Yellow-rumped Warbler Song:
Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC602699. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/602699.
Yellow-rumped Warblers construct their nests in conifer trees using twigs, pine needles, and grass, lining them with soft grass, moss, and animal hair. The incubation period lasts approximately two weeks, followed by an additional two weeks for the young to fledge.
To attract Yellow-rumped Warblers to your backyard, provide them with sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and peanut butter.
Fun Fact: During winter, Yellow-rumped Warblers form large flocks numbering in the thousands. They exhibit aggressiveness toward other species that encroach upon their territory.
2. Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats spend the breeding season in Oregon, frequently sighted from April to October. They appear in 15% of summer checklists.
Common Yellowthroats are small songbirds with brownish plumage on their backs and vibrant yellow undersides, accentuated by long tails. Males exhibit a distinctive black mask across their faces. The intensity of their yellow coloration may vary geographically, and some populations appear more olive-toned.
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 spend their summers breeding across most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. Some individuals remain year-round along the Gulf Coast and in the Pacific Southwest, while others migrate south for the winter.
These birds can be frequently found in marshy or wetland areas, as well as brushy fields adorned with thick, tangled vegetation.
Common Yellowthroat Song:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC629250. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/629250.
Nests of Common Yellowthroats are crafted by females near the ground in marshy areas, using reeds for support. Grass and sedges form the base, with leaves and grass woven into a cup shape. Up to six eggs are laid, requiring approximately twelve days to hatch, followed by an additional twelve days for the young to fledge.
To attract Common Yellowthroats to larger backyards, cultivate dense vegetation and native plants that entice insects.
Fun Fact: The black mask sported by male Common Yellowthroats serves as a visual cue to other males during courtship, triggering aggressive responses. Interestingly, these birds do not display aggression when confronted with decoy birds lacking the characteristic mask.
3. Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers spend the breeding season in Oregon, although they are more commonly observed during migration. They feature in 10% of summer checklists and up to 24% of checklists during spring migration.
Orange-crowned Warblers exhibit less vibrant colors compared to other warbler species, sporting yellow-olive plumage that leans towards a more yellow hue on the Pacific Coast. The orange crown, from which they derive their name, is rarely visible. Males and females display similar appearances, while juveniles possess a grayer appearance.
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)
Breeding populations of Orange-crowned Warblers exist in Canada and western US states, migrating to the Pacific, East, and Gulf Coasts, as well as Mexico. They can be observed during migration across all US states, excluding the northeastern region.
These warblers can be found amidst shrubs and low-lying vegetation, with a preference for open woodlands as their breeding habitat. Their diet primarily comprises spiders and insects such as caterpillars, flies, and beetles. Additionally, they readily visit backyard feeders and consume fruit, berries, and seeds.
Orange-crowned Warbler Song:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC671865. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/671865.
Nests of Orange-crowned Warblers are situated near or on the ground, constructed from dead leaves, twigs, stems, and lined with soft grass and animal hair. They lay up to six eggs.
To attract Orange-crowned Warblers to your yard, provide suet, peanut butter, or hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water nectar.
Fun Fact: Orange-crowned Warblers have been observed drinking sap from the wells created by sapsuckers and woodpeckers.
4. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers are present in western Oregon throughout the breeding season and can be observed during migration across the rest of the state. They are predominantly seen from April to September.
Wilson’s Warblers are small, round yellow birds with prominent black caps in males and smaller black caps in females.
Scientific name: 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)
Breeding populations of Wilson’s Warblers exist in Canada, Alaska, and northwestern US states, with migration extending across all US states. They winter in Mexico and Central America.
These warblers can be found among streams, thriving in thickets and near forest edges while foraging for insects, larvae, and spiders.
Wilson’s Warbler Song:
Credit: Thomas G. Graves, XC561438. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/561438.
Nests of Wilson’s Warblers are skillfully concealed on higher branches in trees, constructed using grass, sedges, pine needles, feathers, and animal hair. They lay up to five eggs, requiring approximately eleven days to hatch, followed by ten more days for the fledglings to leave the nest.
To attract Wilson’s Warblers to your backyard, plant native trees and shrubs. However, they do not visit feeders.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers distract potential nest predators by feigning a broken wing, luring the predator away before abruptly flying off.
5. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers are frequently observed in Oregon during the breeding season, arriving in April and embarking on migration in October. They are present in up to 11% of summer checklists.
Yellow Warblers are small, bright yellow birds with yellow-green backs. Males feature chestnut streaks on their breasts, while females and juveniles exhibit less vibrancy, lacking the 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 to breed in Canada and the US, excluding southeastern states. They return to Central and South America for the winter, with some individuals observed during migration in southeastern US states.
These warblers can be found along streams, wetlands, and thickets, often inhabiting field edges, as they forage for insects such as caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
Yellow Warbler Song:
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC662546. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/662546.
Nests of Yellow Warblers are crafted in small trees or shrubs, constructed from bark, grass, and plant material meticulously woven together, reinforced with spider webs to form a cup-shaped structure. The nests are then lined with softer materials like hair, feathers, and plant down.
They lay up to seven eggs, with an incubation period of approximately twelve days, followed by ten days for the young to fledge.
To attract Yellow Warblers to your backyard, offer suet, oranges, peanut butter, and plant native berry-bearing plants. Additionally, create an inviting habitat by avoiding pesticides and embracing natural, slightly untidy settings. Consider incorporating birdbaths with fountains amidst secluded plantings to provide protection.
Fun Fact: Yellow Warblers often encounter intrusion by cowbirds, which lay their eggs in their nests. In response, Yellow Warblers construct new nests on top of the old ones, repeating this process up to six times!
6. Townsend’s Warbler
Townsend’s Warblers can be observed in Oregon throughout the year. During winter, they inhabit the western region of the state, while migration takes them across the entirety of Oregon. Some individuals also spend the breeding season in the area. They are present in 2% of summer checklists and 5% of winter checklists.
Townsend’s Warblers are characterized by their black and yellow plumage. Males display striking features, including black crowns, cheeks, and throats, along with yellow eyebrows, a crescent-shaped yellow area beneath the eye, yellow bellies, and black spots on their yellow upper backs. Their black wings showcase two white wingbars, while their bellies are white.
Females possess a lighter coloration but exhibit similar patterns. However, they lack the distinctive black throat of the males. Juveniles sport even lighter hues, with olive-green backs, crowns, and cheeks. Similar to females, they lack the black throat but display light-colored streaks on their chests.
Scientific name: Setophaga townsendi
Length: 4.75-5 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3 ounces (9 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8 inches (19-20 cm)
Townsend’s Warblers breed in western Canada, northwestern US states, and Alaska before migrating to the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America.
These warblers primarily inhabit tall, dense coniferous forests along the coastal belt and mountainous regions, displaying a preference for areas rich in pine, oak, alder, madrones, and laurels.
Townsend’s Warblers, with their affinity for lofty trees, actively forage among twigs and branches in search of insects, such as caterpillars, bugs, beetles, and leafhoppers. They are even known to hover among foliage in pursuit of their food.
During winter, Townsend’s Warblers have been observed feeding on the sugary excretions of scale insects, establishing and defending territories around these insect sources.
Townsend’s Warbler Song:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC710935.
Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/710935.
Nests of Townsend’s Warblers are situated high in trees, typically on top of branches. They are constructed using grass stems, mosses, barks, and lined with feathers and animal hair.
To attract Townsend’s Warblers to your backyard during winter, provide mealworms, peanut butter, and suet. These birds often visit backyard feeders when temperatures turn colder.
Fun Fact: Townsend’s Warblers hybridize with Hermit Warblers, and interestingly, female Hermit Warblers demonstrate a preference for mating with male Townsend’s Warblers, but not the other way around.
7. Hermit Warbler
Hermit Warblers spend the breeding season in Oregon, primarily observed in the western part of the state from April to September, with a few individuals remaining year-round. They feature in 5% of summer checklists.
Hermit Warblers exhibit small, charming appearances, characterized by bright yellow heads. Males possess black throats, while females have less distinct black throats, and juveniles display gray throats. Their chests and bellies showcase a grayish-white coloration, complemented by two white wingbars and gray backs.
Scientific name: Setophaga occidentalis
Length: 5 inches (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3 ounces (9 g)
Wingspan: 7.75 inches (20 cm)
Breeding populations of Hermit Warblers can be found along the West Coast, migrating to Mexico and Central America.
These warblers prefer habitats abundant in high pine, Douglas-fir, spruce, and other coniferous trees. During winter, they move to pine-oak forests.
Similar to other warblers, Hermit Warblers tend to remain high up in trees, foraging for insects and spiders. They exhibit the ability to hang upside down from branches, enabling them to probe under leaves in search of larvae and pupae.
Hermit Warblers’ Song:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC150324. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/150324.
Nests of Hermit Warblers are also positioned high in trees, commonly on top of branches. They are constructed using stems, grass, twigs, pine needles, and lined with soft grass and animal hair.
To attract Hermit Warblers to your backyard during winter, provide suet, peanut butter, and maintain a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water nectar. These warblers often visit backyard feeders when temperatures drop.
Fun Fact: Hermit Warblers engage in hybridization with Townsend’s Warblers. Interestingly, female Hermit Warblers tend to prefer mating with male Townsend’s Warblers, while the reverse does not hold true.
8. MacGillivray’s Warbler
MacGillivray’s Warblers spend their summers in Oregon, primarily observed from April to October. They feature in 4% of checklists during this period.
MacGillivray’s Warblers are small yet robust birds. Males exhibit slate gray heads, black bands across their eyes, and grayish spots transitioning to black from below the bill to the throat. Females possess a light-gray head and throat, devoid of black markings. Both sexes sport olive-gray backs, yellow bellies, and white, crescent-shaped eyerings.
Scientific name: Geothlypis tolmiei
Length: 5.25 inches (13 cm)
Weight: 0.4 ounces (11 g)
Wingspan: 8.25 inches (21 cm)
MacGillivray’s Warblers breed primarily in northwestern
US states, western Canada, migrating to Mexico and Central America.
These warblers frequent areas with dense shrubbery and vegetation, thriving in shady thickets near streams, logged forests with fallen trees, or burned areas with deceased trees.
MacGillivray’s Warblers spend their time foraging on the ground, hopping or flying low as they search for insects like beetles and caterpillars.
MacGillivray’s Warblers’ Song:
Credit: Bobby Wilcox, XC667171. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/667171.
Nests of MacGillivray’s Warblers are concealed within thick shrubs, usually positioned one to five feet above the ground. They are constructed using weed stems, barks, dry grass, and lined with pine needles and soft grass.
These warblers lay three to six eggs, with an incubation period of approximately eleven days.
Fun Fact: MacGillivray’s Warblers were named after Dr. W. MacGillivray, a friend of John James Audubon. However, the species already had a name, “Tolmie’s Warbler,” bestowed by John Kirk Townsend in honor of Dr. W. T. Tolmie. Thus, the scientific name “tolmiei” was chosen as a compromise.
9. Yellow-breasted Chat
Yellow-breasted Chats spend the breeding season in Oregon, making appearances on approximately 3% of summer checklists. They are primarily observed from mid-April to October.
Yellow-breasted Chats possess vibrant yellow breasts and long tails. Their olive-gray backs are complemented by gray heads adorned with white eye and chin markings. Their lower bellies exhibit a white coloration.
Scientific name: 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 exist across most US states and extend into southern Canada. During winter, they migrate to Central America and coastal Mexico.
These warblers can be spotted in blackberry bushes, fields, and forest edges, actively feeding on spiders, insects, and berries.
Yellow-breasted Chat Song:
Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC512276. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/512276.
Nests of Yellow-breasted Chats are skillfully hidden within shrubs, constructed using grass, leaves, and plant material intricately woven to form a cup-shaped structure. Brown-headed Cowbirds often parasitize their nests by laying their eggs.
They lay up to six eggs, requiring around eleven days to hatch, followed by an additional ten days for the young to leave the nest.
Fun Fact: Male Yellow-breasted Chats engage in grappling fights using their feet. They also perform a dramatic flight display while singing, descending towards the ground before concluding with a thump of their wings.
10. Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers can be observed in Oregon during the summer, primarily from April to September, appearing in approximately 2% of checklists during this period.
Nashville Warblers showcase predominantly yellow plumage, with a green back and gray heads featuring a white eye-ring. Females and juveniles exhibit less vibrancy compared to males. They possess distinct white bellies between their yellow breasts and tails.
Scientific name: Leiothlypis ruficapilla
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.5 ounces (6.7-13.9 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
Nashville Warblers breed in northeastern US states and Canada, with a smaller population found in northwestern US states and British Columbia. They can also be observed during migration across most US states.
These warblers favor scrubby habitats and low deciduous forests, actively hunting for insects.
Nashville Warbler Song:
Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC512262. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/512262.
Nests of Nashville Warblers are located close to the ground, constructed using bark, moss, grass, and woven into a cup shape. The nests are lined with pine needles, soft grass, and animal hair.
They lay approximately five eggs, requiring a twelve-day incubation period, followed by an additional ten days for the young to fledge.
To attract Nashville Warblers to your backyard during winter, provide suet in southern US states.
Fun Fact: Nashville Warblers initially migrate along the Atlantic Coast but subsequently opt for an inland route for subsequent migrations.
11. American Redstart
The American Redstart is a species of warbler that can be found in Oregon during the summer breeding season. They are spotted from April to September and are recorded in approximately 2% of summer checklists.
American Redstarts are striking birds with black upperparts, bright orange patches on their wings and tails, and white bellies. They exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism, with males displaying more vibrant colors than females.
Scientific name: Setophaga ruticilla
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Breeding populations of American Redstarts can be found across North America, from Canada to the United States. During migration, they travel to Central and South America for the winter.
These warblers prefer a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, and riparian areas. They are often seen actively foraging for insects, often making aerial acrobatics to catch their prey.
American Redstart Song:
Credit: Andrew Spencer, XC612733. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/612733.
Nests of American Redstarts are built in the understory of trees, usually suspended from small branches. They are constructed using grasses, plant fibers, and hair, forming a cup-shaped structure. The female typically lays 3-5 eggs, and incubation lasts for around two weeks.
To attract American Redstarts to your backyard, provide a diverse habitat with trees, shrubs, and a water source. They are insectivorous and will benefit from the presence of insects in the area.
Fun Fact: The American Redstart is known for its unique hunting behavior, known as “flashing.” They flick their wings and tail, revealing their vibrant orange patches, to startle insects and make them easier to catch.
12. Palm Warbler
Palm Warblers can be observed in Oregon during the winter season. They are primarily spotted from October to April and occur in approximately 1% of winter checklists.
Palm Warblers have distinctive plumage, with brownish-olive upperparts, yellow underparts, and a rusty cap on their heads. They also exhibit a tail-wagging behavior, often bobbing their tails up and down.
Scientific name: Setophaga palmarum
Length: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Breeding populations of Palm Warblers are found in the northern regions of North America, including Canada and Alaska. During migration, they move to the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and Central America. Some individuals spend the winter in Oregon.
Palm Warblers inhabit a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, marshes, and fields. They feed primarily on insects, spiders, and seeds.
Palm Warbler Song:
Credit: Ian Cruickshank, XC324740. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/324740.
Nests of Palm Warblers are typically constructed on the ground, often hidden in grasses or beneath low shrubs. They are made from grasses, bark strips, and plant fibers, with a lining of finer materials such as hair and feathers. The female lays around 4-5 eggs, and the incubation period lasts for approximately two weeks.
To attract Palm Warblers to your backyard during winter, provide a source of water, such as a heated birdbath, and offer a mix of seeds and mealworms.
Fun Fact: Palm Warblers have a distinctive tail-wagging behavior, which is thought to be a form of communication and may also help flush out insects from the ground.
13. Ovenbird
Ovenbirds can be observed in Oregon during migration seasons. They are spotted during spring and fall as they pass through the state on their way to breeding or wintering grounds. They occur in approximately 1% of checklists during migration.
Ovenbirds are small, thrush-like warblers with olive-brown upperparts, streaked breasts, and white bellies. They have a bold, dark line running through their eyes, often referred to as “spectacles.”
Scientific name: Seiurus aurocapilla
Length: 5.5-6.3 inches (14-16 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.6 ounces (14-17 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches (20-23 cm)
Breeding populations of Ovenbirds can be found in eastern North America, from Canada to the eastern United States. During migration, they travel through the central and western regions of the continent.
Ovenbirds inhabit dense forests, preferring moist woodlands with a thick understory. They forage on the ground, flipping leaves and debris to uncover insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Ovenbird Song:
Credit: Jonathon Jongsma, XC651257. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/651257.
Nests of Ovenbirds are unique structures resembling an old-fashioned outdoor oven, hence their name. The nest is dome-shaped with a side entrance, made from leaves, grass, and twigs, lined with finer materials. The female lays around 3-6 eggs, and incubation lasts for approximately two weeks.
To attract Ovenbirds during migration, provide a habitat with dense vegetation and leaf litter. They are primarily insectivorous, so maintaining a healthy insect population in your garden can also be beneficial.
Fun Fact: Ovenbirds have a distinct song that resembles the phrase, “Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!” The song is often used to establish territories and attract mates.
14. Tennessee Warbler
Tennessee Warblers pass through Oregon during migration, making appearances in the state during spring and fall. They are recorded in approximately 1% of checklists during migration seasons.
Tennessee Warblers have olive-green upperparts, yellow underparts, and a gray head. They lack distinct markings or patterns on their plumage.
Scientific name: Leiothlypis peregrina
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.4 ounces (6-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm)
Breeding populations of Tennessee Warblers are found in the boreal forests of Canada, primarily in western provinces. During migration, they travel through central and eastern North America, including Oregon.
Tennessee Warblers inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including coniferous and mixed forests. They actively forage for insects and spiders among the foliage and branches.
Tennessee Warbler Song:
Credit: Jonathon Jongsma, XC647166. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/647166.
Nests of Tennessee Warblers are built on or near the ground, typically hidden in dense vegetation. They are constructed from grasses, mosses, bark, and lined with finer materials such as hair and feathers. The female lays around 4-6 eggs, and the incubation period lasts for approximately two weeks.
To attract Tennessee Warblers during migration, provide a diverse habitat with
trees, shrubs, and water sources. Insect-rich areas will be particularly appealing to these warblers.
Fun Fact: The Tennessee Warbler was named after the state of Tennessee, where the first specimen was collected during migration.
15. Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warblers pass through Oregon during migration, making appearances in the state during spring and fall. They occur in approximately 1% of checklists during migration seasons.
Black-throated Blue Warblers exhibit strong sexual dimorphism. Males have deep blue upperparts, a black throat, and white underparts. Females have olive-brown upperparts, a lighter throat, and yellow underparts.
Scientific name: Setophaga caerulescens
Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Breeding populations of Black-throated Blue Warblers can be found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. During migration, they travel through the eastern and central regions of North America.
Black-throated Blue Warblers inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests. They forage actively, gleaning insects from leaves and branches.
Black-throated Blue Warbler Song:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC383136. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/383136.
Nests of Black-throated Blue Warblers are built on or near the ground, often hidden in dense vegetation or fallen logs. They are constructed from leaves, grasses, and bark, with a lining of finer materials such as hair and feathers. The female typically lays around 3-4 eggs, and incubation lasts for approximately two weeks.
To attract Black-throated Blue Warblers during migration, provide a habitat with a mixture of trees, shrubs, and water sources. Insect abundance will also be a key factor in attracting these warblers.
Fun Fact: Male Black-throated Blue Warblers are known for their “seet” call, which they use to communicate with their mates and establish territories.
16. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers spend the breeding season in Oregon, primarily from April to September. They occur in approximately 2% of summer checklists.
Wilson’s Warblers are small, vibrant yellow birds with olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts. Males have a black cap on their heads, while females have a lighter-colored crown.
Scientific name: Cardellina pusilla
Length: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 5.9-6.7 inches (15-17 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in western North America, primarily in western Canada and the western United States. They migrate to Central America and Mexico for the winter.
Wilson’s Warblers can be found in a variety of habitats, including shrubby areas, thickets, and riparian zones. They actively forage for insects and spiders among the foliage.
Wilson’s Warbler Song:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC561438. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/561438.
Nests of Wilson’s Warblers are typically built on or near the ground, concealed within dense vegetation. They are made from grasses, mosses, and other plant materials, with a lining of finer materials such as feathers and hair. The female lays around 4-5 eggs, and incubation lasts for approximately two weeks.
To attract Wilson’s Warblers during the breeding season, provide a habitat with dense shrubs and vegetation near water sources. Insect-friendly gardening practices will also be beneficial.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers are known for their curious nature. They may investigate unusual objects or even land on hats worn by birdwatchers.
17. Northern Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrushes pass through Oregon during migration, making appearances in the state during spring and fall. They are recorded in approximately 1% of checklists during migration seasons.
Northern Waterthrushes are medium-sized warblers with brown upperparts, white underparts with bold streaking, and a prominent white eyebrow stripe. They have long, pinkish legs and a relatively long bill.
Scientific name: Parkesia noveboracensis
Length: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.6 ounces (11-17 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Breeding populations of Northern Waterthrushes can be found in the northern regions of North America, including Canada and Alaska. During migration, they travel through central and eastern North America, including Oregon.
Northern Waterthrushes inhabit wetland areas, such as marshes, bogs, and streamsides. They forage actively along the water’s edge, probing the mud and vegetation for insects and small aquatic prey.
Northern Waterthrush Song:
Credit: Dan Lane, XC520083. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/520083.
Nests of Northern Waterthrushes are built on the ground, often in dense vegetation near water. They are constructed from grasses, mosses, and leaves, with a lining of finer materials such as hair and feathers. The female typically lays around 4-6 eggs, and incubation lasts for approximately two weeks.
To attract Northern Waterthrushes during migration, provide a habitat with suitable wetland areas, such as ponds or streamsides. Maintain natural vegetation and avoid the use of pesticides to preserve insect populations.
Fun Fact: Northern Waterthrushes are known for their distinctive tail-wagging behavior, similar to that of the Palm Warbler. This behavior is thought to help flush out insects and other prey.
Guide to Warbler Songs
The melodic melodies of warblers often reach your ears before these elusive creatures come into view. Familiarizing yourself with a few of their unique tunes can aid in identifying the feathered friend you encounter. Fortunately, certain warbler songs possess distinct qualities that set them apart.
Describing warbler songs involves the buzz of a tiny insect, a crystal-clear whistle, or a rapid trill that conceals individual notes. Each composition exhibits a symphony of diverse sounds, where buzzing rises or falls in pitch. To assist in your journey, this guide provides 13 easily recognizable warbler songs to explore.
Warblers with Buzzing Songs:
- The Black-throated Blue Warbler’s song ascends with a buzzing tone.
- Prairie Warblers emit buzzing melodies that rise as well.
- Black-throated Green Warblers also produce buzzy songs, adorned with a couple of clear notes in the middle.
- Blackpoll Warblers possess clear and steady songs resembling the hum of an insect.
- Prairie Warblers deliver a buzzing song that gradually increases in pitch.
- Palm Warblers serenade with a delightful buzz.
Warblers with Songs of Clarity:
- The Common Yellowthroat presents a song composed of rising and falling notes, repeated in sequence.
- Ovenbirds enchant with a series of notes that gracefully ascend and descend.
- Hooded Warblers boast distinct and clear notes.
- Chestnut-sided Warblers perform a captivating song, comprising of clear descending notes that accelerate towards the end.
- Yellow-rumped Warblers enchant with a series of clear notes that gradually fade away.
- Yellow Warblers showcase an accelerated melody.
- Northern Parulas captivate with a trill that ascends, concluding with a unique note, akin to a period ending a sentence.Wilson’s
- Warblers captivate listeners with a series of clear descending notes that quicken in pace.
Warbler Sightings in Oregon: Summer and Winter Frequencies
Consulting checklists proves invaluable for identifying the most commonly sighted birds in your state. These compilations detail which warblers are frequently recorded during summer and winter in Oregon on the eBird platform.
Warblers sighted in Oregon during summer:
– Common Yellowthroat: 15.5%
– Wilson’s Warbler: 14.3%
– Yellow Warbler: 11.6%
– Orange-crowned Warbler: 10.8%
– Yellow-rumped Warbler: 10.4%
– Hermit Warbler: 5.2%
– MacGillivray’s Warbler: 4.7%
– Yellow-breasted Chat: 3.7%
– Townsend’s Warbler: 2.2%
– Nashville Warbler: 2.1%
– Northern Waterthrush: 0.1%
– American Redstart: Less than 0.1%
– Black-and-white Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Tennessee Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Ovenbird: Less than 0.1%
– Palm Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Black-throated Blue Warbler: Less than 0.1%
Warblers sighted in Oregon during winter:
– Yellow-rumped Warbler: 13.7%
– Townsend’s Warbler: 5.1%
– Orange-crowned Warbler: 0.5%
– Palm Warbler: 0.1%
– Black-and-white Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Common Yellowthroat: Less than 0.1%
– Nashville Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Black-throated Blue Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Ovenbird: Less than 0.1%
– Northern Waterthrush: Less than 0.1%
– American Redstart: Less than 0.1%
– Wilson’s Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Hermit Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Yellow Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Tennessee Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– MacGillivray’s Warbler: Less than 0.1%
– Yellow-breasted Chat: Less than 0.1%
Attracting Warblers to Your Backyard
While warblers may not flock to backyard feeders as readily as other songbirds, implementing the following strategies can entice these harmonious creatures to grace your yard:
– Provide ample trees if your yard boasts sufficient space.
– Embrace a slightly untidy yard with brush piles, ensuring a friendly habitat for insects.
– Avoid the use of pesticides or herbicides, allowing an abundant insect population to flourish without harming the birds.
– Offer a clean water source for warblers to quench their thirst.
– Tempt them with mealworms, preferably live ones, but dried alternatives will suffice.
– Install bird feeders stocked with sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and suet.