This comprehensive manual is designed to assist you in identifying the various warbler species that frequently visit Saskatchewan. It provides detailed descriptions, photo identification, enchanting audio recordings of their melodious songs, and captivating trivia.
Warblers are charming little songbirds that embark on arduous migratory journeys, traveling great distances from South America to their breeding grounds in Canada. These vibrant avian creatures, adorned in shades of yellow and green, flit about with incredible agility, traversing from their breeding habitats to their wintering grounds in a captivating blur of color.
North American warblers, often referred to as wood-warblers, are primarily found in woodlands and forests. However, be wary of developing “warbler neck,” a painful stiffness and tingling in your neck caused by craning it upwards with binoculars in search of these elusive birds among the tree canopies.
Although warblers predominantly feed on insects, they occasionally visit backyard feeders in search of seeds or mealworms. Discover the other bird species that regularly frequent Saskatchewan and obtain a complimentary identification chart.
This guide specifically aids in identifying the warbler species that are consistently observed in Saskatchewan. It draws upon authentic data gathered from dedicated birdwatchers using ebird, in conjunction with avibase, to provide accurate information about when these birds are most likely to be spotted.
For each warbler featured in this guide, you can listen to their delightful songs and access a guide that explains the distinct types of warbler songs. Additionally, you can consult a separate guide showcasing 13 easily recognizable warbler songs for further assistance.
1. Yellow Warbler
The Yellow Warbler is a commonly sighted species during the breeding season in Saskatchewan, spanning from May to September. It appears in approximately 29% of the summer checklists submitted by dedicated birdwatchers in the region.
Yellow Warblers are petite birds boasting vibrant yellow plumage on their undersides and a yellow-green hue on their backs. The males exhibit chestnut streaks on their breasts, while the females and juveniles possess comparatively subdued coloring without 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)
These remarkable birds embark on lengthy migrations to breed in Canada and the United States, excluding the southeastern states. Afterward, they journey to Central and South America for the winter. Nevertheless, during their migratory periods, they can still be spotted in southeastern states.
Yellow Warblers primarily inhabit streams, wetlands, thickets, and field edges, where they diligently forage for a variety of insects such as caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
Fun Fact: Cowbirds often parasitize Yellow Warbler nests by laying their own eggs. In response, the Yellow Warblers construct new nests on top of the old ones, repeating this process up to six times!
2. Yellow-rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler, specifically the ‘Audubon’ and ‘Myrtle’ subspecies, makes appearances during the breeding season in Saskatchewan. However, its numbers surge during migration in May and September, accounting for up to 44% of checklists during this period.
These warblers display a predominantly gray plumage, accentuated by flashes of yellow on their faces, sides, and rumps, as well as white markings on their wings. Females may possess a slightly brownish hue, while winter birds exhibit paler brown shades, with their rumps and sides transforming into vibrant 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, parts of the Rockies, and the Appalachian mountains. During migration, they traverse the Midwest before settling in southern and southwestern US states, the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America.
These delightful birds can be spotted in coniferous forests during the breeding season, while in winter, they tend to occupy open areas abundant with fruiting shrubs. They primarily feed on insects during summer and switch to a fruit-centric diet, consuming bayberries and wax myrtles, during migration and winter.
Fun Fact: During winter, Yellow-rumped Warblers form immense flocks comprising thousands of individuals. They exhibit territorial behavior, often displaying aggression towards other species that venture too close.
3. Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats spend their breeding season in Saskatchewan, appearing in approximately 9% of summer checklists. They arrive in April and commence their migration in October.
These petite songbirds possess brownish plumage on their backs, with vibrant yellow undersides and long tails. The males exhibit black masks across their faces, while the brightness of the yellow plumage can vary geographically, with some individuals displaying olive hues underneath.
- 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 throughout most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. Some individuals remain in the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest year-round, while the rest embark on a southward migration for the winter.
You can often find Common Yellowthroats residing in marshy or wetland areas, as well as brushy fields characterized by dense and tangled vegetation.
Fun Fact: The black mask sported by male Common Yellowthroats acts as a visual signal to courting males, alerting them to the gender of the bird. Intriguingly, they only attack fake birds equipped with masks, ignoring those without this distinctive feature.
4. Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers grace Saskatchewan during summer, primarily from mid-April to October. However, they are most prevalent during the fall migration, featuring in around 24% of checklists during this period.
Distinctive in their own right, Orange-crowned Warblers possess yellow-olive plumage, which appears more yellowish along the Pacific Coast. Their orange crowns, though rarely visible, lend them their name. Males and females exhibit similar appearances, while juveniles appear grayer.
- 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 western US states before embarking on migration towards the Pacific, East and Gulf Coasts, and Mexico. They can also be sighted during migration across almost all US states, except the northeastern region.
These warblers are typically found amidst shrubs and low-lying vegetation, although they tend to breed in open woodlands. Their diet primarily consists of spiders and insects such as caterpillars, flies, and beetles. Additionally, they display a penchant for fruit, berries, and seeds, occasionally visiting backyard feeders.
Fun Fact: Orange-crowned Warblers have been observed drinking sap from the wells created by sapsuckers and woodpeckers.
5. Tennessee Warbler
Tennessee Warblers are commonly encountered in Saskatchewan during summer, with their numbers peaking during migration. They feature in approximately 4% of summer checklists and 14% of checklists during migration.
These warblers exhibit gray heads, green backs, and whitish underparts in males, while females possess greener plumage with yellow undersides and green heads. Males display a white eyestripe, while females boast a yellow eyestripe. Both genders possess white patches under their tails.
- 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 a long migration from Central America to Canada. During this journey, they traverse eastern US states.
These warblers are frequently found foraging for caterpillars on trees and shrubs in woodlands.
Fun Fact: Contrary to what their name implies, Tennessee Warblers neither breed nor spend a substantial amount of time in Tennessee. They were named after the location where they were initially sighted.
6. American Redstart
American Redstarts are migratory warblers that pass through Saskatchewan during spring and fall. They are most abundant during migration, appearing in approximately 20% of checklists during that time.
Male American Redstarts have striking black plumage with vibrant orange patches on their wings, tails, and sides. In contrast, females and juveniles display olive-gray upperparts and yellowish undersides with gray streaks.
- Scientific name: Setophaga ruticilla
- 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)
American Redstarts breed in eastern North America, including parts of Canada. During migration, they travel through the eastern and central United States before reaching their wintering grounds in the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.
These energetic birds can often be found in deciduous forests, along streams, and in wooded areas near water bodies. They feed on insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and beetles, which they catch by actively flitting and hovering among foliage.
Fun Fact: Male American Redstarts engage in a unique foraging behavior called “tail flipping.” They fan their tails and expose their orange patches to flush out insects, making them easier to catch.
7. Palm Warbler
Palm Warblers are migratory warblers that pass through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration, with the highest numbers seen in the fall. They appear in approximately 18% of checklists during migration.
These warblers showcase a brownish-gray back, yellow underparts, and a rusty cap on their heads. They also have streaked breasts and white belly patches. Palm Warblers are known for their distinctive tail wagging behavior.
- Scientific name: Setophaga palmarum
- Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Palm Warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern United States. During migration, they travel through the eastern and central United States, reaching their wintering grounds in the southern United States, the Caribbean, and Central America.
These warblers prefer habitats with open areas and scattered trees, such as bogs, wet meadows, and edges of swamps. They primarily feed on insects but also consume berries and seeds during migration and winter.
Fun Fact: Despite their name, Palm Warblers do not typically inhabit palm trees. The name “Palm” originated from the mistaken belief that the birds primarily occurred in palm-dominated habitats.
8. Northern Parula
The Northern Parula is a small migratory warbler that can be found in Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration, with higher numbers seen in the fall. They appear in approximately 10% of checklists during migration.
Male Northern Parulas have bluish-gray upperparts, a yellow throat and breast, and a distinctive greenish patch on their backs. Females and juveniles have duller plumage with less contrast.
- Scientific name: Setophaga americana
- Length: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces (6-8 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm)
Northern Parulas breed in the boreal forests of Canada and the northeastern United States. During migration, they pass through the eastern and central United States, reaching their wintering grounds in the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and Central America.
These warblers prefer deciduous and mixed forests, especially near water sources. They feed on insects, including caterpillars and spiders, by gleaning them from foliage and twigs.
Fun Fact: Northern Parulas are known for their distinctive, high-pitched, rising buzzy song that sounds like “zee-zee-zee-zew-zew-zew.”
9. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers, also known as “Myrtle Warblers,” are migratory warblers that pass through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration. They appear in approximately 20% of checklists during migration.
Male Yellow-rumped Warblers feature a gray back, a black face, and a black throat with a large yellow patch on their sides and rump. Females and non-breeding individuals have similar patterns but with duller colors and less distinct markings.
- Scientific name: Setophaga coronata
- Length: 4.7-5.9 inches (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches (20-23 cm)
Yellow-rumped Warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, as well as in parts of the western United States. During migration, they travel through most of the United States and Mexico, reaching their wintering grounds in the southern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.
These adaptable warblers can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, shrubby areas, and even urban parks. They feed on insects, berries, and fruits, displaying an impressive ability to digest the waxes found in berries like those of wax-myrtle and bayberry.
Fun Fact: Yellow-rumped Warblers are known for their distinctive “chek” call, which is often heard during migration and winter.
10. Cape May Warbler
The Cape May Warbler is a migratory species that passes through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration, with higher numbers seen in the fall. They appear in approximately 5% of checklists during migration.
Male Cape May Warblers have a greenish-yellow throat, a rufous crown, and streaked blackish-brown upperparts. Females and juveniles have a more subdued appearance with duller colors.
- Scientific name: Setophaga tigrina
- 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)
Cape May Warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. During migration, they travel through the eastern and central United States before reaching their wintering grounds in the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America.
These warblers primarily forage for insects, including spruce budworms, among the tree canopy. During their wintering period, they also consume nectar from tropical flowering plants.
Fun Fact: Cape May Warblers have a unique feeding behavior where they poke holes in the base of flowers to access the nectar directly.
11. Blackburnian Warbler
The Blackburnian Warbler is a migratory warbler species that passes through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration, with higher numbers seen in the fall. They appear in approximately 5% of checklists during migration.
Male Blackburnian Warblers are known for their vibrant orange throat and upper breast, contrasting with their black back and wings. Females and juveniles have a similar pattern but with duller colors.
- Scientific name: Setophaga fusca
- Length: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Blackburnian Warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and the northeastern United States. During migration, they pass through the eastern and central United States before reaching their wintering grounds in the northern Andes Mountains of South America.
These warblers prefer coniferous and mixed forests, especially those with spruce and fir trees. They forage by gleaning insects from foliage and actively catching them in mid-air.
Fun Fact: The name “Blackburnian” honors Anna Blackburne, an English botanist who was a patron of natural sciences in the 18th century.
12. Chestnut-sided Warbler
The Chestnut-sided Warbler is a migratory species that passes through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration. They appear in approximately 15% of checklists during migration.
Male Chestnut-sided Warblers have a unique plumage pattern with a yellow crown, white underparts, and chestnut-colored sides. Females and juveniles have a similar pattern but with duller colors.
- Scientific name: Setophaga pensylvanica
- Length: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Chestnut-sided Warblers breed in the northeastern United States and Canada, including parts of Saskatchewan. During migration, they travel through the eastern and central United States before reaching their wintering grounds in Central America and northern South America.
These warblers inhabit deciduous forests, brushy areas, and edges of wetlands. They feed on insects, spiders, and small fruits, often foraging in the middle and upper canopy.
Fun Fact: The song of the Chestnut-sided Warbler is described as a high-pitched “pleased, pleased, pleased to meet ya.”
13. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers are migratory warblers that pass through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration. They appear in approximately 15% of checklists during migration.
Male Wilson’s Warblers have a bright yellow face, throat, and underparts, with an olive-green cap and back. Females and juveniles have similar patterns but with duller colors.
- Scientific name: Cardellina pusilla
- Length: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in the western parts of North America, including parts of Canada. During migration, they travel through the western and central United States before reaching their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
These warblers can be found in various habitats, including forests, shrubby areas, and wetlands. They actively forage for insects by gleaning them from foliage, twigs, and sometimes even catching them in mid-air.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers are known for their rapid and energetic tail-wagging behavior.
14. American Redstart
American Redstarts are migratory warblers that pass through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration. They appear in approximately 10% of checklists during migration.
Male American Redstarts have a striking plumage pattern with black upperparts, bright orange patches on their wings and tail, and white underparts. Females and juveniles have a similar pattern but with more subdued colors.
- Scientific name: Setophaga ruticilla
- Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.4 ounces (6-11 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 inches (16-20 cm)
American Redstarts breed in the northeastern and northwestern parts of North America, including parts of Canada. During migration, they travel through the eastern and central United States before reaching their wintering grounds in Central and northern South America.
These warblers inhabit various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and shrubby areas. They actively forage for insects, often fluttering their wings and spreading their tail to flush out prey.
Fun Fact: The American Redstart is known for its “tail-wagging” behavior, flicking its tail from side to side while foraging.
15. Mourning Warbler
Mourning Warblers are migratory warblers that pass through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration. They appear in approximately 5% of checklists during migration.
Both male and female Mourning Warblers have a unique plumage pattern. They have a grayish head, olive-green back, and yellow underparts with dark streaking. The males have a black mask across their face, while the females have a less prominent mask.
- Scientific name: Geothlypis philadelphia
- 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)
Mourning Warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and the northeastern United States. During migration, they travel through the eastern and central United States before reaching their wintering grounds in Central America.
These warblers prefer dense shrubby habitats, including wet thickets, regenerating clearcuts, and edges of swamps. They forage by hopping on the ground or low vegetation, feeding on insects and spiders.
Fun Fact: Mourning Warblers are known for their beautiful and melodic song, which is often described as a series of whistled notes.
16. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers are migratory warblers that breed in Saskatchewan during the summer months. They can also be found during spring and fall migration. They appear in approximately 25% of checklists during migration.
Male Yellow Warblers have bright yellow plumage with rusty streaks on their breast and reddish-brown eyes. Females and juveniles have a similar yellow color but with less streaking.
- Scientific name: Setophaga petechia
- 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)
Yellow Warblers breed in a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, wetlands, and even urban parks and gardens. They have a widespread distribution throughout North America, including parts of Canada.
These warblers primarily feed on insects, spiders, and small fruits. They forage by gleaning insects from foliage, searching for prey in tree canopies or shrubby areas.
Fun Fact: Yellow Warblers are known for their sweet and melodious song, which is often described as “sweet-sweet-sweet, I’m so sweet!”
17. Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers are migratory warblers that pass through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration. They appear in approximately 10% of checklists during migration.
Both male and female Nashville Warblers have a yellowish-green overall plumage with a grayish head and a white eye-ring. They have a relatively short tail and thin pointed bill.
- Scientific name: Leiothlypis ruficapilla
- Length: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Nashville Warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and the northeastern United States. During migration, they travel through the central and eastern parts of the United States before reaching their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
These warblers inhabit a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, shrubby areas, and edges of wetlands. They actively for age for insects by gleaning from foliage and branches.
Fun Fact: The Nashville Warbler was named after Nashville, Tennessee, where it was first observed and described by Alexander Wilson, a famous early American ornithologist.
18. Chestnut-sided Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warblers are migratory warblers that pass through Saskatchewan during spring and fall migration. They appear in approximately 10% of checklists during migration.
Male Chestnut-sided Warblers have a striking plumage pattern with a chestnut-colored crown, white underparts, and yellowish-green back and wings. Females and juveniles have a similar pattern but with less contrasting colors.
- Scientific name: Setophaga pensylvanica
- Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 inches (19-21 cm)
Chestnut-sided Warblers breed in the northeastern and north-central parts of North America, including parts of Canada. During migration, they travel through the eastern and central United States before reaching their wintering grounds in Central and northern South America.
These warblers favor a variety of habitats, including young deciduous forests, shrubby areas, and edges of wetlands. They actively forage for insects by gleaning from foliage and hovering to catch prey in mid-air.
Fun Fact: The Chestnut-sided Warbler is known for its distinctive song, which sounds like “pleased, pleased, pleased to meet you.”