Discover the multitude of warbler species that regularly visit Wyoming through this comprehensive guide. With vivid photo identification and detailed descriptions, accompanied by delightful audio recordings of their melodious songs and intriguing fun facts, you’ll be captivated by these lively and vibrant avian creatures.
Warblers, those petite migratory songbirds, embark on remarkable journeys spanning vast distances from South America to their breeding grounds as far as Canada. Adorned in vibrant shades of yellow and green, these agile birds traverse from their breeding to wintering grounds in a mere blink of an eye, serenading the air with a mesmerizing medley of tunes.
Revered as wood-warblers in North America, these charming creatures primarily inhabit woodlands and forests, enticing bird enthusiasts to gaze skyward with binoculars, often leading to the dreaded “warbler neck” – a discomforting stiffness and tingling sensation in the neck.
While warblers predominantly dine on insects, they occasionally grace backyard feeders to sample seeds and delectable mealworms. Don’t forget to explore the array of other bird species that regularly grace the landscapes of Wyoming and take advantage of the opportunity to print a complimentary identification chart.
This inclusive guide serves as a reliable resource to identify the various warbler species encountered in Wyoming, meticulously curated based on the data collected from avid birdwatchers utilizing ebird, and supplemented by the invaluable insights provided by Avibase. Discover the precise timing of these birds’ appearances and enhance your birdwatching endeavors with accurate and authentic information.
For each warbler featured in this guide, immerse yourself in their captivating songs while gaining invaluable knowledge about their distinctive vocalizations. Additionally, refer to a separate guide featuring 13 easily recognizable warbler songs, ensuring a harmonious and harmonizing birding experience.
16 Warbler Species in Wyoming:
1. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers grace Wyoming’s breeding season, with their numbers surging during May and September migrations. They feature in 22% of summer checklists and up to 38% during migration.
These grayish warblers display flashes of yellow on their faces, sides, and rumps, complemented by white wings. While females exhibit a slight brownish hue, winter birds transition to a paler brown shade, featuring vibrant yellow rumps and sides that regain their gray and yellow brilliance come spring.
Two subspecies exist: the Myrtle Warbler, found in the eastern US and Canadian boreal forests, lacking the yellow throat, and the Audubon’s Warbler from the western regions, showcasing increased white in their wings.
- Scientific Name: Setophaga coronata
- Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-13 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)
Yellow-rumped Warblers primarily breed in Canada, parts of the Rockies, and the Appalachian mountains. During migration, they traverse the Midwest before wintering in southern and southwestern US states, the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America.
In the breeding season, these warblers can be found in coniferous forests, while they seek open areas with fruiting shrubs during winter. Their diet predominantly consists of insects in summer and shifts to fruits like bayberry and wax myrtle during migration and winter.
Yellow-rumped Warbler Song: Listen to their captivating song recorded by Christopher McPherson, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/602699.
Their nests, crafted by females, incorporate twigs, pine needles, and grass, lined with soft grass, moss, and hair. They lay up to six eggs, which hatch after approximately two weeks, and the fledglings depart the nest after an additional two weeks.
To entice Yellow-rumped Warblers to your backyard, offer sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and peanut butter.
Fun Fact: During winter, Yellow-rumped Warblers congregate in flocks, sometimes reaching thousands in number, exhibiting territorial aggression toward other species that encroach upon their space.
2. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers frequently visit Wyoming during the breeding season, from May to September, featuring in up to 22% of summer checklists.
These small, vibrant birds boast bright yellow plumage with a yellow-green back. Male individuals exhibit chestnut streaks on their breasts, while females and juveniles possess a more subdued appearance, lacking the pronounced streaks.
- Scientific Name: Setophaga petechia
- Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-11 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)
Yellow Warblers embark on extensive migrations, traveling long distances to breed across Canada and the majority of US states, except the Southeast. Subsequently, they return to Central and South America for winter, with occasional sightings during migration in Southeastern US states.
These delightful warblers are commonly found along streams, wetlands, and thicket perimeters, where they forage for insects such as caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
Yellow Warbler Song: Listen to their charming song recorded by Richard E. Webster, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/662546.
Their nests, skillfully crafted from bark, grass, and plant material interwoven with spider webs, form a cozy cup-like structure. Lined with softer materials like hair, feathers, and plant down, these nests house up to seven eggs, hatching after approximately twelve days, and the young leave the nest within ten days.
To attract Yellow Warblers to your backyard, provide suet, oranges, peanut butter, and berry-bearing plants. Embrace native plants that attract insects without resorting to pesticides or excessive tidiness. Additionally, consider incorporating birdbaths with fountains near secluded plantings for added protection.
Fun Fact: Yellow Warblers encounter frequent encounters with Cowbirds, who lay their eggs in their nests. When detected, Yellow Warblers construct new nests on top of the old ones, restarting the process up to six times!
3. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers grace Wyoming’s summer season from May to October, with their highest prevalence occurring during fall migration, appearing in 24% of checklists during this period.
These diminutive warblers exude charm, featuring round bodies enveloped in yellow plumage. Male individuals don a striking black cap, while females boast a smaller black cap.
- Scientific Name: Cardellina pusilla
- Length: 3.9-4.7 in (10-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (5-10 g)
- Wingspan: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in Canada, Alaska, and northwestern US states, gracing all US states during migration, and migrating to Mexico and Central America for winter.
These delightful birds can be found along streams, in thickets, and near forest edges, diligently foraging for insects, larvae, and spiders.
Wilson’s Warbler Song: Listen to their delightful song recorded by Thomas G. Graves, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/561438.
Their nests, cleverly concealed on the ground near trees or shrubs, are meticulously constructed from leaves, sedges, grass, and various plant materials. Lined with soft grass and animal hair, these nests cradle around five eggs, incubating for approximately eleven days before the fledglings embark on their journey.
To entice Wilson’s Warblers to your backyard, cultivate native trees and shrubs, although they do not frequent feeders.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers employ a fascinating distraction technique when faced with potential nest predators. They simulate a broken wing, luring the predator away before abruptly flying off.
4. Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats predominantly grace Wyoming during the breeding season, appearing in 6% of summer checklists. Arriving in April, they commence their migration in October.
These small songbirds exhibit brownish plumage on their backs and vivid yellow hues on their underbellies. Males showcase black masks across their faces, while the intensity of the yellow coloration may vary geographically, with some individuals displaying a more olive tone underneath.
- Scientific Name: Geothlypis trichas
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (9-10 g)
- Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm)
Common Yellowthroats breed across most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. Some individuals remain year-round along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest, embarking on a southward migration for winter.
These delightful birds can be found in marshy or wetland areas and brushy fields, taking refuge amidst thick, tangled vegetation.
Common Yellowthroat Song: Listen to their enchanting song recorded by Paul Marvin, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/629250.
Their nests, meticulously built by females near the ground in marshy areas, find support among reeds. Grass and sedges form the foundation, while leaves and grass provide a sturdy platform. Up to six eggs grace these nests, hatching after approximately twelve days, with the fledglings departing within the same timeframe.
To attract Common Yellowthroats to spacious backyards, cultivate dense vegetation and native plants that entice insects.
Fun Fact: The black mask adorning Common Yellowthroats serves as a distinguishing feature for courting males, who fiercely defend their territory against intruders. Interestingly, they do not attack birds without masks.
5. Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers grace western Wyoming during the breeding season and migrate across the rest of the state. They feature in 2% of summer checklists and up to 7% during migration.
These warblers, adorned in yellow-olive plumage, lack the vibrant colors displayed by their counterparts. However, their orange crown, though rarely seen, adds a touch of intrigue. Both males and females share similar appearances, while juveniles exhibit grayer hues.
- Scientific Name: Leiothlypis celata
- Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-11 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5 in (19 cm)
Orange-crowned Warblers breed in Canada and western US states, embarking on migrations to the Pacific Coast, East and Gulf Coasts, Mexico, and Central America. They can also be spotted during migration in all US states, except the northeastern region.
These warblers favor shrubs and low vegetation, although they breed in open woodlands. Their diet mainly comprises spiders and insects such as caterpillars, flies, and beetles. They also indulge in fruit, berries, and seeds, occasionally visiting backyard feeders.
Orange-crowned Warbler Song: Listen to their delightful song recorded by Paul Marvin, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/671865.
Their nests, situated near or on the ground, are crafted using dead leaves, twigs, stems, and adorned with soft grass and animal hair. These nests accommodate up to six eggs.
To attract Orange-crowned Warblers to your yard, offer suet, peanut butter, or hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water nectar.
Fun Fact: Orange-crowned Warblers often indulge in the sapwells created by sapsuckers and woodpeckers.
6. MacGillivray’s Warbler
MacGillivray’s Warblers enchant Wyoming with their presence during the summer season, spanning from May to mid-October. They feature in 3% of checklists during this period.
These small yet sturdy warblers exhibit slate gray heads in males, adorned with black bands across their eyes and grayish spots transitioning to black from beneath the bill to the throat. Females boast light-gray heads and throats without black markings. Both genders flaunt olive-gray backs, yellow bellies, and partial eyerings in the form of white, crescent-shaped markings.
- Scientific Name: Geothlypis tolmiei
- Length: 5.25 inches (13 cm)
- Weight: 0.4 oz (11 g)
- Wingspan: 8.25 inches (21 cm)
MacGillivray’s Warblers predominantly breed in northwestern US states and western Canada, embarking on migrations to Mexico and Central America.
These delightful warblers inhabit areas abundant in dense shrubbery or vegetation, favoring 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, utilizing hopping or low-flying movements to seek out insects like beetles and caterpillars.
MacGillivray’s Warbler Song: Listen to their captivating song recorded by Bobby Wilcox, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/667171.
Their nests, concealed within thick shrubs, are usually positioned one to five feet above the ground, nestled in upright forks of scrub oaks or fir saplings. These nests are constructed using weed stems, barks, and dry grass, while feathers and animal hair line the cozy interiors. The female lays three to six eggs, incubating them for approximately eleven days.
Fun Fact: MacGillivray’s Warblers received their name from Dr. W. MacGillivray, a close associate of John James Audubon. However, John Kirk Townsend had previously assigned the species a name, “Tolmie’s Warbler,” in honor of Dr. W. T. Tolmie. Thus, the compromise was made with the scientific name “tolmiei.”
7. Yellow-breasted Chat
Yellow-breasted Chats breed in Wyoming, featuring in 1% of summer checklists. They arrive in May and commence their migration in September.
Yellow-breasted Chats exhibit vibrant yellow breasts and long tails. Their olive-gray backs harmonize with gray heads adorned by white eye and chin markings. The lower bellies of these chats boast a pristine white coloration.
- Scientific Name: Icteria virens
- Length: 7.1 in (18 cm)
- Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz (23-31 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8 in (25 cm)
Yellow-breasted Chats breed across most US states, extending into southern Canada, before migrating to Central America and coastal Mexico for winter.
These captivating birds can be spotted amidst blackberry bushes, fields, and forest edges, engaging in spider, insect, and berry foraging.
Yellow-breasted Chat Song: Listen to their captivating song recorded by Peter Ward and Ken Hall, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/512276.
Their nests, carefully woven from grass, leaves, and plant materials, form a cozy cup-shaped structure. Brown-headed Cowbirds often exploit these nests by laying their eggs within, resulting in the fostering of their own chicks. Yellow-breasted Chats lay up to six eggs, hatching after approximately eleven days, with the young departing the nest within ten days.
Fun Fact: Male Yellow-breasted Chats engage in grappling fights using their feet. Additionally, during their melodious flights, they simulate a broken wing, effectively distracting potential nest predators before flying off.
8. American Redstart
American Redstarts make their presence known in Wyoming during the summer season, spanning from mid-April to September. They feature in 1% of checklists during this time.
These striking birds exhibit predominantly black plumage adorned with vibrant orange patches and a white belly. Females, on the other hand, showcase olive-gray coloration instead of black, complemented by yellow patches.
- Scientific Name: Setophaga ruticilla
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (6-9 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm)
American Redstarts breed in eastern US states and Canada, extending into northwestern US states. They can be sighted during migration in central and western US states.
These captivating birds can be found in deciduous woodlands, engaging in insect consumption. They also frequent backyards and thickets in search of berries such as serviceberry and magnolia.
American Redstart Song: Listen to their melodious song recorded by Nick Kiehl, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/522368.
Their nests, strategically positioned near the trunk of trees or large shrubs, are meticulously constructed from bark, grass, and plant materials. Up to five eggs grace these nests, incubating for just under two weeks before the fledglings depart within one to two weeks.
To attract American Redstarts to your backyard, consider planting berry-bearing plants such as magnolia and serviceberry.
Fun Fact: When it comes to feeding their chicks, American Redstart parents selectively feed certain individuals rather than indiscriminately providing for all of them.
9. Townsend’s Warbler
Townsend’s Warblers make appearances during migration in Wyoming, particularly during fall from August to October. They feature in up to 4% of checklists during this period.
These charming warblers showcase a striking combination of black and yellow plumage. Males captivate with their black crowns, cheeks, and throats, adorned by yellow eyebrows and a crescent-shaped yellow marking beneath the eye. Their bellies exude a vibrant yellow hue. Black spots grace their yellow upper backs. Their wings, black in color, bear two white wingbars. White bellies complete their enchanting appearance.
- Scientific Name: Setophaga townsendi
- Length: 4.75 – 5 inches (12 – 13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3 oz (9 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5 – 8 inches (19 – 20 cm)
Townsend’s Warblers breed in western Canada, northwestern US states, and Alaska. They embark on migrations to the Pacific Coast, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. During migration, they may also be sighted in central and western US states.
These delightful warblers thrive in tall and dense coniferous forests, particularly along the coastal belt and mountainous regions. They exhibit a preference for areas abundant in pine, oak, alder, madrones, and laurels.
Townsend’s Warblers engage in foraging activities among twigs and branches, searching for insects such as caterpillars, bugs, beetles, and leafhoppers. They may also hover among foliage to secure their food sources.
Townsend’s Warbler Song: Listen to their captivating song recorded by Paul Marvin, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/710935.
Their nests, strategically positioned high up in trees, find support atop branches. Constructed using grass stems, mosses, barks, and adorned with feathers and animal hair, these nests accommodate the laying of up to six eggs.
To attract Townsend’s Warblers to your backyard during winter, consider providing mealworms, peanut butter, and suet. These delightful birds may frequent backyard feeders during colder temperatures.
Fun Fact: The Townsend’s Warbler derives its name from American ornithologist John Kirk Townsend.
10. Northern Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrushes make appearances during migration in Wyoming, although they are not particularly common in the region.
These bird species resemble thrushes, featuring similar traits in both males and females. They boast brown heads adorned with thick white eyebrows, dark brown backs, and white bellies embellished with heavy streaking from the throat to the rump.
- Scientific Name: Parkesia noveboracensis
- Length: 5.75 inches (15 cm)
- Weight: 0.8 oz (23 g)
- Wingspan: 8.75 inches (22 cm)
Northern Waterthrushes breed in Canada, Alaska, and northeastern US states before embarking on migrations to Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Some individuals may remain in Central and South America throughout the year.
These captivating birds thrive in dark, woody swamps, thickets, and bogs. They exhibit a fondness for still or sluggish waters within forests. During winter in the tropics, they can usually be found among mangroves.
Northern Waterthrushes are both aquatic and terrestrial foragers. Their long legs allow them to gracefully walk on shallow water surfaces while searching for water beetles, mosquitoes, slugs, crustaceans, snails, and even small fish. They also indulge in caterpillars, moths, and ants, which they find beneath leaves.
Northern Waterthrush Song: Listen to their melodious song recorded by Jeff Dyck, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/416169.
Their nests, typically positioned in hollows or crevices near water, often find shelter in moss-covered stumps or beneath overhanging banks. These nests are constructed from moss, twigs, pine needles, bark strips, and roots. Females lay three to six eggs, which they incubate for approximately two weeks.
Fun Fact: Northern Waterthrushes exhibit a unique walking behavior, preferring to walk rather than hop. Their bobbing tails add to their distinctive appearance, creating an impression of charming imbalance.
11. Ovenbird
During summer in Wyoming, the elusive Ovenbird occasionally graces the northern and eastern regions.
With their olive-green backs and black-and-white spotted undersides, Ovenbirds may seem less vibrant compared to other warblers.
- Scientific Name: Seiurus aurocapilla
- Length: 4.3-5.5 inches (11-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-1.0 oz (16-28 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-10.2 inches (19-26 cm)
Ovenbirds breed in the Midwest, northeastern US states, and Canada. As they migrate, they make appearances in the eastern US states. During winter, they seek refuge in Florida, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
These ground-dwelling birds can be found foraging among leaf litter in forests, diligently searching for insects.
Ovenbird Song: Listen to their enchanting song recorded by Christopher McPherson, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/602036.
Nesting close to the ground, female Ovenbirds construct domed nests using leaves, grass, bark, and other plant materials. These nests feature a side entrance and are lined with animal hair. They typically lay around five eggs, which take up to two weeks to hatch. The young birds leave the nest within ten days.
Fun Fact: Ovenbirds derive their name from the distinct shape of their nests, which resemble Dutch ovens.
12. Black-throated Gray Warbler
Wyoming occasionally plays host to Black-throated Gray Warblers, mainly in the southwest region, during their breeding season.
Distinguished by their black-and-white streaked appearance, these warblers boast gray backs and a yellow spot in front of their eyes. Males exhibit more pronounced black throats compared to females.
Scientific Name: Setophaga nigrescens
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (7-10 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-7.8 inches (19-19.7 cm)
Black-throated Gray Warblers breed in western and south-central US states, as well as the coastal areas of British Columbia. During migration, they can be sighted in the eastern United States. For the winter, they embark on a journey to Mexico.
These arboreal foragers can be observed searching for insects on trees and shrubs in woodlands.
Black-throated Gray Warbler Song:
Listen to their captivating song recorded by Paul Marvin, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/648117.
When nesting, Black-throated Gray Warblers often choose trees as their location, fashioning nests using bark, grass, and moss. Their nests accommodate up to five eggs.
Fun Fact: Despite their relatively observable nature, little is known about Black-throated Gray Warblers, adding an air of mystery to these fascinating birds.
13. Virginia’s Warbler
While not commonly sighted in Wyoming, Virginia’s Warblers have been spotted during the months of May to September, particularly in the southern region of the state.
Virginia’s Warblers possess striking colors, despite their small and inconspicuous appearance. Both males and females feature gray heads, backs, and bellies. A reddish patch adorns their crowns, while their eyes display a perpetually surprised expression, encircled by dark eyes with a white eyering. Yellow chests and rumps complement their gray bellies, while their wings and tails exhibit a contrasting black hue.
- Scientific Name: Leiothlypis virginiae
- Length: 4.5-4.75 inches (11-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.3 oz (9 g)
- Wingspan: 7.25-7.75 inches (18-20 cm)
Virginia’s Warblers inhabit southwestern US states, and their name derives from the individual who first discovered them—Virginia Anderson, not the state of Virginia.
These warblers can be found in pinyon-juniper brushlands, pine and oak woodlands, and woodlands near streams. During winter, they reside in dry scrub areas.
Due to their small size, their diet remains relatively unknown, but they are presumed to feed on insects like other warblers. They navigate among mid-level branches through hopping.
Virginia Warbler Song: Listen to their melodious song recorded by Ned Bohman, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/658017.
Nests of Virginia’s Warblers are skillfully concealed near the ground, often among dead leaves beneath shrubs or trees. The female constructs the nest using coarse grass, bark strips, roots, and moss. Approximately three to five eggs are laid, with the female assuming the incubation duties.
Fun Fact: Although their diminutive size makes them challenging to spot, the constant upward and downward wagging of their tails while perched on pine and oak tree branches increases the likelihood of catching a glimpse of Virginia’s Warblers.
14. Blackpoll Warbler
During the spring migration in May, the near-threatened Blackpoll Warblers make their presence known primarily in the eastern regions of Wyoming.
Male Blackpoll Warblers sport black-and-white streaked plumage, featuring a black cap and white cheeks. Females exhibit similar black-and-white patterns but lack the black cap and white cheeks. In late summer, their appearance undergoes a transformation, molting into a yellow plumage with darker streaks on the back.
- Scientific Name: Setophaga striata
- Length: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-13 g)
- Wingspan: 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 cm)
Blackpoll Warblers breed in Canada and can be observed during their spring migration in the eastern United States. As fall approaches, they embark on a journey to their winter grounds in South America and the Caribbean.
These forest-dwelling warblers primarily feed on spiders and insects, but during the autumn season, they also consume fruits like honeysuckle and pokeberry.
Blackpoll Warbler Song: Listen to their enchanting song recorded by Christopher McPherson, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/598813.
Nests of Blackpoll Warblers are typically located near the trunks of fir trees, constructed using twigs and lichen by the female. They lay up to five eggs, with an incubation period of approximately twelve days. The young birds leave the nest within ten days.
Fun Fact: Blackpoll Warblers undertake a remarkable feat in the fall by flying non-stop over the Atlantic Ocean from their breeding grounds to South America. However, during their spring migration, they opt for a route over the Caribbean, traversing land instead.
15. Black-and-white Warbler
While not frequently sighted in Wyoming, Black-and-white Warblers have been observed during migration.
Black-and-white Warblers stand out with their distinctive striped appearance, making them relatively easy to identify. Males possess a large black patch across their eyes and cheeks, displaying a darker black hue compared to females.
Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (8-15 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 inches (18-22 cm)
Black-and-white Warblers breed in the eastern United States and Canada. They spend their winters in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Mexico, Baja California, the Caribbean, and northern South America. During migration, they can be observed in central US states.
These agile warblers can be spotted hopping up and down on tree trunks and branches in forests, diligently searching for insects.
Black-and-white Warbler Song: Listen to their captivating song recorded by Christopher McPherson, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/600300.
Nests of Black-and-white Warblers are discreetly hidden near or on the ground, often beneath logs or shrubs. Constructed using bark, grass, and pine needles woven into a cup, the nest accommodates around five eggs. The incubation period lasts approximately eleven days, followed by ten more days for the young birds to fledge.
16. Tennessee Warbler
While not frequently encountered in Wyoming, Tennessee Warblers occasionally pass through the state during their migration.
Tennessee Warbler males exhibit gray heads, green backs, and pale whitish undersides. Females display a greener plumage with yellow undertones and green heads. Males possess a white eyestripe, while females have a yellow eyestripe. Both sexes feature white undertails.
- Scientific Name: Leiothlypis peregrina
- Length: 3.9-5.1 inches (10-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (8-10 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-7.9 inches (19-20 cm)
Tennessee Warblers embark on a long journey from Central America to Canada during their migration. They can be observed during this migration period across eastern US states.
These warblers predominantly feed on caterpillars, scouring trees and shrubs in woodlands for their sustenance.
Tennessee Warbler Song:
Listen to their delightful song recorded by Christopher McPherson, accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/444969.
Nests of Tennessee Warblers are hidden among moss or tree roots, constructed using grass and weeds. The female lays approximately six eggs, with an incubation period of about twelve days. The young birds remain in the nest for a similar duration before departing.
Fun Fact: Despite their name, Tennessee Warblers do not breed or spend significant time in Tennessee. They were given this name as it was the place where they were initially discovered.
How Often Warblers Are Spotted in Wyoming During Summer and Winter
Checklists provide valuable insights into the frequency of warbler sightings in each state. Based on checklists on ebird, the following warblers are most commonly recorded during summer and winter in West Wyoming:
Warblers in Wyoming during summer:
1. Yellow Warbler – 22.6%
2. Yellow-rumped Warbler – 22.4%
3. Common Yellowthroat – 6.2%
4. MacGillivray’s Warbler – 3.2%
5. Orange-crowned Warbler – 2.7%
6. Wilson’s Warbler – 2.2%
7. Yellow-breasted Chat – 1.3%
8. American Redstart – 1.1%
9. Northern Waterthrush – 0.5%
10. Ovenbird – 0.4%
11. Black-throated Gray Warbler – 0.3%
12. Virginia’s Warbler – 0.2%
13. Blackpoll Warbler – 0.2%
14. Black-and-white Warbler – 0.1%
15. Tennessee Warbler – 0.1%
16. Townsend’s Warbler – 0.1%
Warblers in Wyoming during winter:
1. Yellow-rumped Warbler – <0.1%
How to Attract Warblers to Your Backyard
While warblers are not as commonly attracted to backyard feeders as other songbirds, you can still create an inviting environment for these melodious creatures:
1. Provide trees if your yard allows for it.
2. Leave brush piles and maintain a natural habitat for insects.
3. Avoid using pesticides or herbicides to ensure an abundant insect population.
4. Offer a clean water source.
5. Provide live or dried mealworms, a preferred food source.
6. Place bird feeders with sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and suet.