During the spring and summer months in Quebec, one can frequently encounter yellow birds, particularly when the warblers arrive. However, in the winter season, the American Goldfinch stands as the most commonly observed yellow bird in this region.
To facilitate the identification of these yellow birds in Quebec, this guide offers a comprehensive collection of pictures, identification details, song recordings, and migration patterns.
Warblers, orioles, and tanagers make up the majority of yellow birds in Quebec, and it is worth noting that female birds sometimes exhibit distinct appearances compared to their male counterparts.
This guide aims to make the process of identifying yellow birds significantly more manageable by presenting all the necessary information. The listed yellow birds are arranged based on their frequency of sightings in Quebec during the spring and summer months (May and June) according to ebird checklists.
Yellow birds present in Quebec throughout the year include the American Goldfinch and the Evening Grosbeak.
Yellow birds seen in Quebec during the summer comprise the Yellow-rumped Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Cape May Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Canada Warbler, Palm Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Meadowlark, Pine Warbler, and Yellow-throated Vireo.
Lastly, during migration, one can come across the Orange-crowned Warbler among the yellow birds in Quebec.
So continue reading to successfully identify those yellow birds you have recently encountered.
A compilation of 20 yellow birds in Quebec:
1. American Goldfinch
May 13th, 2011
Our house in Brandon, South Dakota
Canon 50D, 400 5.6L
The American Goldfinches can be found throughout southern Quebec all year round, with their numbers peaking during the breeding season from May to September. In summer checklists submitted by bird watchers, they are recorded 52% of the time, while in winter checklists, they are observed in 25% of submissions.
These goldfinches are highly popular due to their vibrant yellow and black plumage, which the males exhibit during spring. The females and males during winter, on the other hand, possess a duller brown appearance.
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
American Goldfinches can be found across most of North America and are typically non-migratory. However, those that breed in Canada and the Midwest migrate to the southern United States during winter.
These birds are often spotted foraging in weedy fields and overgrown areas, where they feed on sunflower, thistle, and aster plants. They are also commonly observed in suburban areas, parks, and backyards.
Listen to the song of the American Goldfinch:
The nests of American Goldfinches are usually situated in saplings or shrubs. Constructed using grass, bark strips, and feathers, these nests serve as the home for the female, who lays four to six eggs. The eggs hatch in ten to twelve days, and while the male provides food for the female, she takes on the role of incubating the eggs.
To attract American Goldfinches to your backyard, consider planting thistles and milkweed. They are frequent visitors to bird feeders and have a preference for sunflower and nyjer seeds.
Interesting fact: Brown-headed Cowbirds are known to lay their eggs in American Goldfinch nests. Unfortunately, the seed-based diet that the parents provide is unsuitable for the survival of the cowbird chicks, leading to their eventual demise.
2. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers can be seen in Quebec during the breeding season, with their numbers increasing during migration from May to October. They are recorded in 24% of summer checklists and in up to 45% of checklists during migration.
These warblers exhibit a gray coloration with flashes of yellow on their face, sides, and rump, along with white wings.
Females may have a slightly brown appearance, while winter birds appear paler brown with bright yellow rumps and sides. As spring arrives, they transition back to their vibrant yellow and gray plumage.
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 breed primarily in Canada, the Rockies, and the Appalachian Mountains. During migration, they can be found in the Midwest before wintering in southern and southwestern U.S. states, along the Pacific Coast, and further south into Mexico and Central America.
These warblers can be spotted in coniferous forests, especially during the breeding season. In winter, they tend to inhabit open areas with fruiting shrubs. Their diet consists mainly of insects during the summer and fruits, including bayberry and wax myrtle, during migration and winter.
Listen to the song of the Yellow-rumped Warbler:
Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC602699. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/602699.
Nests of Yellow-rumped Warblers are constructed by females using twigs, pine needles, and grass. These nests are lined with soft grass, moss, and hair. The female lays up to six eggs, which take approximately two weeks to hatch. The young leave the nest after an additional two weeks.
To attract Yellow-rumped Warblers to your backyard, provide them with sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and peanut butter.
Interesting fact: During winter, Yellow-rumped Warblers form large flocks numbering in the thousands and can be quite territorial when it comes to other species approaching their feeding areas.
3. Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwings can be observed in Quebec during the breeding season, primarily from June to September. However, some individuals remain in the area throughout the year. They are present in 23% of summer checklists and 1% of winter checklists.
These elegant and social birds exhibit a pale brown coloration on their head, chest, and crest, which transitions to gray on their back and wings. Their belly displays a pale yellow shade, and the tip of their tail is a bright yellow. Additionally, they possess a narrow black mask over their eyes and bright red wingtips.
Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum
Length: 5.5-6.7 inches (14-17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 ounce (32 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 inches (22-30 cm)
Cedar Waxwings breed in Canada before migrating to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America for winter. They can be found year-round in the northern states of the U.S.
These birds are often found in berry bushes, woodlands, grasslands, towns, and along streams. While their diet primarily consists of fruit, they also consume insects during the summer.
Listen to the call of the Cedar Waxwing:
Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC512254. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/512254.
Nests of Cedar Waxwings are built in trees using twigs, grass, hair, and plant materials. The nests are lined with pine needles and soft grass. The female lays up to six eggs, which hatch in around twelve days. The young leave the nest after approximately sixteen days.
To attract Cedar Waxwings to your backyard, plant native trees and shrubs that bear small fruits, such as serviceberry, dogwood, juniper, winterberry, and hawthorn. You can also try offering fruit on platform feeders.
Interesting fact: Cedar Waxwings exhibit a unique behavior where they exchange small gifts during courtship, passing items between them.
4. Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats spend the breeding season in Quebec and are primarily observed from May to October, with a few individuals remaining until December. They appear in 27% of summer checklists.
These small songbirds possess brownish plumage on their back and vibrant yellow coloration underneath, along with long tails. The males have black masks across their faces. However, the intensity of the yellow coloration can vary geographically, and in certain regions, they may exhibit a more olive tone on the underside.
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 across most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. Some populations remain along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest throughout the year, while others migrate south for winter.
These birds are often found in marshy or wetland areas and brushy fields, residing amidst thick and tangled vegetation.
Listen to the song of the Common Yellowthroat:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC629250. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/629250.
Nests of Common Yellowthroats are constructed by females near the ground in marshy areas, supported by reeds. These nests are made from grass, sedges, and leaves, forming a cup-like structure. The female lays up to six eggs, which take around twelve days to hatch. The young then leave the nest after a similar period.
To attract Common Yellowthroats to larger backyards, provide dense vegetation and native plants that attract insects.
Interesting fact: The black mask of the Common Yellowthroat serves as a signal to courting males, indicating the sex of the bird. They display aggression towards fake birds with masks but do not react when the mask is absent.
5. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers rank as the second most frequently observed yellow birds in Quebec during the breeding season. They are present from May to September, with a few individuals lingering until December. They appear in 28% of summer checklists.
These small, bright yellow birds display a yellow-green back, with chestnut streaks on the breast in males. Females and juveniles exhibit less vibrancy compared to males.
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 migrate long distances to breed in Canada and the United States, excluding southeastern states. They can also be observed during migration in southeastern U.S. states. During winter, they reside in Central and South America.
These warblers are commonly found along streams, wetlands, and thickets, as well as on the edges of fields
. They forage for insects, including caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
Listen to the song of the Yellow Warbler:
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC662546. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/662546.
Nests of Yellow Warblers are constructed in small trees or shrubs using bark, grass, and plant materials woven together and secured with spiders’ webs. The nests are then lined with softer materials like hair, feathers, and plant down. The female lays up to seven eggs, which hatch in approximately twelve days. The young leave the nest after an additional ten days.
To attract Yellow Warblers to your backyard, offer suet, oranges, peanut butter, and plants that bear berries. Additionally, plant native species that attract insects without the use of pesticides or excessive tidiness. Birdbaths with fountains placed near secluded plantings can also provide protection.
Interesting fact: Yellow Warblers often face the challenge of Brown-headed Cowbirds laying eggs in their nests. In response, Yellow Warblers build new nests on top of the old ones, potentially re-nesting up to six times.
6. American Redstart Female
American Redstarts spend the summer in southern Quebec and can be observed from April, starting their migration in October.
Male American Redstarts sport mostly black plumage with vibrant orange patches and a white belly. Their heads are black, with gray necks, while their chests and bellies display a striking yellow hue. Additionally, they possess white patches on their wings.
Females exhibit an olive-gray coloration instead of black, adorned with numerous 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)
American Redstarts breed in eastern U.S. states and Canada, extending to the northwestern U.S. During migration, they can also be spotted in central and western U.S. states.
These birds can be found in deciduous woodlands, where they feed on insects. They are also known to frequent backyards and thickets, where they enjoy berries such as serviceberry and magnolia.
Listen to the song of the American Redstart:
Credit: Nick Kiehl, XC522368. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/522368.
Nests of American Redstarts are typically located close to the trunk in trees or large shrubs. Constructed using bark, grass, and other plant materials, the nests are lined with animal hair, moss, and feathers. The female lays up to five eggs, which take approximately two weeks to hatch. It takes an additional week or two for the young to leave the nest.
To attract American Redstarts to your backyard, provide berry plants such as magnolia and serviceberry.
Interesting fact: American Redstart parents selectively feed certain chicks, rather than providing food for all of them simultaneously.
7. Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeaks, though vulnerable, can be spotted in southern Quebec throughout the year. They appear in 6% of summer checklists and 10% of winter checklists.
These robust birds possess large bills and display a striking yellow and black pattern. Adult males feature a bright yellow stripe across their eyes, giving them a fierce appearance. Their heads are black, with gray necks, while their chests and bellies showcase a vibrant yellow color. They also bear white patches on their wings.
Females and juvenile males exhibit greenish bills, predominantly gray bodies, black and white wings, and a yellow tinge on the neck.
Scientific name: Hesperiphona vespertina
Length: 6.3-8.7 inches (16-22 cm)
Weight: 1.37-3.04 ounces (38.7-86.1 g)
Wingspan: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm)
Evening Grosbeaks remain in southern Canada throughout the year, extending down the west coast to northern California. However, during years with poor cone crops, they migrate south to various U.S. states.
These birds are commonly found in forests and mountainous regions. During winter, they are often attracted to backyard feeders, taking advantage of the easily accessible food supply.
Evening Grosbeaks have a diverse diet. In spring, they naturally feed on flower buds, while during the summer, they consume insect larvae from treetops. In the winter months, they gather in flocks and visit backyard feeders, feasting on seeds, berries, and small fruits.
Listen to the call of the Evening Grosbeak:
Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC598472. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/598472.
Nests of Evening Grosbeaks are typically found high above the ground, up to 100 feet, in pine trees. These nests are loosely constructed using twigs, rootlets, grass, moss, and pine needles. The female lays up to five eggs, and she incubates them for around two weeks until they hatch.
To attract Evening Grosbeaks to your backyard during winter, provide sunflower seeds, berries, and maple buds.
Interesting fact: Evening Grosbeaks possess powerful bills that can easily crush seeds that other smaller birds find challenging to open. They often scavenge for food left behind by other species.
8. Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warblers can be observed in southern Quebec from mid-April until November. They appear in 14% of summer checklists.
Male Magnolia Warblers showcase a black back and yellow underside, with black streaking forming a distinctive “necklace” pattern across their necks and bellies. Females have a grayer back and lack the pronounced streaking on the belly.
Scientific name: Setophaga magnolia
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.5 ounces (6-15 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 inches (16-20 cm)
Magnolia Warblers breed across Canada and northeastern U.S. states. During migration, they can be seen in the eastern U.S. They spend the winter primarily in Central America and the Caribbean.
These warblers can be found perched on low branches in forests or parks, making them more visible during migration. They predominantly feed on insects, ensuring a steady supply of caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
Listen to the song of the Magnolia Warbler:
Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC512264. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/512264.
Nests of Magnolia Warblers are a loose construction of grass and weeds, built close to the trunk of conifer trees. The female lays around four eggs, which take approximately twelve days to hatch. It then takes about nine days for the young to leave the nest.
To attract Magnolia Warblers to your backyard, provide native shrubs and trees where they can rest during migration.
Interesting fact: Male Magnolia Warblers use the white spots on their tails as a display to attract females and ward off rivals.
9. Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Green Warblers spend their summers in Quebec and can be observed from April to November in the southern regions. They appear in 13% of summer checklists.
These small yellow songbirds exhibit a yellow face and head, paired with an olive-yellow back. They have black streaking on the sides and wings, while their underside is whitish. Males boast large black patches on their throats, while females and juveniles possess smaller patches.
Scientific name: Setophaga virens
Length: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (7-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
Black-throated Green Warblers can be predominantly observed during their extensive migration from the eastern U.S., where they pass through to their breeding grounds in northeastern U.S. states and Canada. During winter, they reside in Mexico, northern South America, and the Caribbean.
These warblers are often found high up in forests, foraging for insects. Their black throat serves as a distinguishing feature, differentiating them from other small yellow birds.
Listen to the song of the Black-throated Green Warbler:
Credit: Paul Driver, XC187636. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/187636.
Nests of Black-throated Green Warblers are typically situated in small trees, close to the trunk. Constructed from twigs, bark, grass, moss, and spiders’ webs, these nests are lined with animal hair, moss, and feathers. The female lays around four eggs, which take approximately twelve days to hatch. The young leave the nest after an additional ten days.
To attract Black-throated Green Warblers to your backyard, provide a habitat with mature trees.
Interesting fact: Male Black-throated Green Warblers can sing over 400 times in an hour and perform a unique “gloating” flight display after chasing away rivals.
10. Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers are observed during the breeding season in Quebec, primarily from April to October, with a few individuals lingering until December. They appear in 12% of summer checklists.
These warblers display mostly yellow plumage underneath, with a white lower belly. They have a greenish-yellow back and a gray head adorned with a white eyering. However, females and juveniles exhibit less vibrancy and brightness compared to males.
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 U.S. states and Canada, with a smaller population in northwestern U.S. states and British Columbia. They can also be observed during migration in various U.S. states. During the winter, they primarily reside in Mexico.
These warblers can be found in scrubby habitats and low deciduous forests, where they actively hunt for insects.
Listen to the song of the Nashville Warbler:
Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC512262. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/512262.
Nests of Nashville Warblers are concealed in shrubs close to the ground. Constructed using bark, grass, and moss, these nests are woven into a cup-like structure, often supported by leaves and grass. The female lays around four eggs, which take approximately twelve days to hatch. It takes an additional ten days for the young to leave the nest.
To attract Nashville Warblers to your backyard, offer suet during the winter in southern U.S. states.
Interesting fact: Nashville Warblers migrate along the Atlantic Coast during their first year but shift to an inland migration pattern thereafter.
11. The Female Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole, a vibrant sign of spring in Eastern North America, can be observed in the southern regions of Quebec during the summer, appearing on approximately 12% of checklists. These colorful birds arrive in April and begin their migration in September.
Male Baltimore Orioles boast a striking combination of bright orange and black plumage, complemented by white wing bars on their black wings. In contrast, females exhibit yellowish undersides and heads, with grayish-brown wings and backs. Similar in size to a Robin, these orioles belong to the blackbird family but possess a more slender build.
Scientific name: Icterus galbula
Length: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.4 ounces (30-40 g)
Wingspan: 9.1-11.8 inches (23-30 cm)
Baltimore Orioles breed in the Eastern and Central States, including the central-southern provinces of Canada, as well as along the southern border with the United States. They then migrate to spend the winter in Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean, often departing as early as July.
These orioles can be found in open woodlands, riverbanks, and forest edges, where they forage for insects and fruit. They are known to visit parks and backyards as well. Their diet primarily consists of insects such as beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and snails. While they contribute to the control of pest species, they can occasionally cause damage to crops such as raspberries, mulberries, cherries, bananas, and oranges, as they have a diverse palate.
Listen to the flute-like sounds and chattering calls of Baltimore Orioles:
Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC690956. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/690956.
To attract Baltimore Orioles to your backyard, consider placing halves of oranges on a platform feeder or hanging them from trees. Oriole feeders filled with sugar water can also be effective. Planting fruiting plants and nectar-producing flowers like raspberries, crab apples, and trumpet vines will further entice these beautiful birds.
Interesting fact: Baltimore Orioles construct remarkable hanging bag-like nests woven from various fibers.
12. The Cape May Warbler
The Cape May Warbler spends its breeding season in southern Quebec, primarily from May to September, with a few individuals lingering until mid-December. They are present in approximately 4% of summer checklists.
Male Cape May Warblers exhibit distinct heads with chestnut cheeks and dark caps, surrounded by a yellow neck ring. Their bodies are mottled yellow-olive above and yellow with dark streaks below. The unique tiger-like stripes on their chests, coupled with the unusual dark crown, set them apart from other warbler species. In comparison, females and immature Cape May Warblers are less vibrant and lack the vibrant head coloring of the males.
Scientific name: Setophaga tigrina
Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (10.2-15.2 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-8.7 inches (20-22 cm)
Cape May Warblers migrate to their breeding grounds in Canada, passing over eastern U.S. states. During the winter, they make their way to the Caribbean and a narrow coastal band encompassing the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America.
You can find Cape May Warblers in spruce forests during their breeding season. However, during migration, they can be observed in various habitats, particularly near the edges of woods and scrub areas
, where they can find an abundance of insects. Their diet mainly consists of spruce budworms during the summer, but they switch to consuming fruits, nectar, and even visit hummingbird feeders during the winter.
Listen to the song of the Cape May Warbler:
Credit: Andrew Spencer, XC103509. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/103509.
Nests of Cape May Warblers are constructed high up in spruce trees, near the trunk. They are made from twigs, pine needles, bark, and woven into a cup shape. These nests are lined with soft grass, feathers, and other plant materials. The female lays up to nine eggs, which take approximately twelve days to hatch. The young ones leave the nest after an additional ten days.
To attract Cape May Warblers to your backyard, provide native shrubs and trees that attract insects, as they are a crucial part of their diet. Additionally, they do not visit feeders.
Interesting fact: Cape May Warblers possess specially shaped tongues designed for lapping up nectar, curled into a tube-like structure.
13. The Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers can be observed in Quebec from May to December, primarily appearing on approximately 3% of summer checklists.
These tiny, round yellow warblers exhibit a large black cap in the males and a smaller black cap 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)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in Canada, Alaska, and northwestern U.S. states. During migration, they can be spotted across all U.S. states, excluding the northeastern region. In the winter, they reside in Mexico and Central America.
These warblers are commonly found along streams, in thickets, and near forest edges, where they forage for insects, larvae, and spiders.
Listen to the song of the Wilson’s Warbler:
Credit: Thomas G. Graves, XC561438. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/561438.
Nests of Wilson’s Warblers are well-hidden on the ground, often near trees or shrubs. They are built using leaves, sedges, grass, and shaped into a cup structure. The nest is lined with soft grass and animal hair. The female lays around five eggs, which take approximately eleven days to hatch, and an additional ten days for the young to leave the nest.
Attract Wilson’s Warblers to your backyard by planting native trees and shrubs that provide food sources for insects. However, they do not visit feeders.
Interesting fact: Wilson’s Warblers distract potential nest predators by feigning a broken wing, leading the predator away before swiftly flying off.
14. The Canada Warbler
The Canada Warbler can be spotted in southern Quebec during the summer, primarily from May to October. They are most commonly observed during the spring migration, appearing on approximately 8% of checklists.
Canada Warblers bear a resemblance to Magnolia Warblers and share a similar range. However, they possess a grayish-black back, and the black “necklace” in males does not extend over the belly but rather covers the chest. Their chests, bellies, and throats display a vibrant shade of yellow.
Scientific name: Cardellina canadensis
Length: 4.7-5.9 inches (12-15 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (9-13 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-8.7 inches (17-22 cm)
Canada Warblers breed in Canada and northeastern U.S. states. During migration, they can be seen across the eastern half of the U.S. In the winter, they migrate to western South America.
You can find Canada Warblers in rhododendron-filled conifer forests or aspen and poplar forests, where they forage for insects and spiders. Spotting them can be challenging as their population numbers have been declining.
Listen to the song of the Canada Warbler:
Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC512275. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/512275.
Nests of Canada Warblers are built near the ground, nestled in shrubs or ferns. These nests are woven from grass, bark, leaves, and other plant materials. The female lays up to six eggs, which take approximately twelve days to hatch. The young ones leave the nest after a further eight days.
Interesting fact: Canada Warblers undertake impressive journeys of over 3000 miles each way between their summer and winter grounds.
15. The Palm Warbler
Palm Warblers are commonly sighted in southern Quebec during the summer, spanning from April to mid-December. They appear on 2% of summer checklists and up to 6% of checklists during migration.
Palm Warblers display a rusty red patch on the top of their heads and exhibit a brownish-olive color on the rest of their bodies. While they breed in Canada, they can also be found in eastern U.S. states during migration. Along the southern coast and in Florida, they can be observed throughout the year.
Scientific name: Setophaga palmarum
Length: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (7-13 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-8.3 inches (20-21 cm)
Palm Warblers predominantly breed in Canada and migrate to eastern U.S. states. Some individuals spend the winter in Florida and along the southeastern coast.
These warblers are primarily spotted during the spring and fall migration in weedy fields, forest edges, and scrubby areas. They can often be found foraging on the ground, mingling with other birds like Sparrows, Juncos, and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Listen to the song of the Palm Warbler:
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC189604. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/189604.
Nests of Palm Warblers are located in bogs and boreal forests on the ground. They are constructed using grass, sedge, and ferns, woven into a cup shape and lined with soft grass, feathers, and animal hair. The female lays around five eggs.
To attract Palm Warblers to your backyard, plant native insect-attracting plants and consider bayberry or hawthorn shrubs for their berries.
Interesting fact: Unlike most warblers, Palm Warblers are often seen walking on the ground, bobbing their tails as they search for insects.
16. The Female Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers can be observed in southern Quebec during the summer, primarily from May to October. They are most commonly seen during the spring migration, accounting for 5% of checklists.
Female Scarlet Tanagers feature yellow plumage with darker wings and tails, similar to the appearance of males after molting.
Scientific name: Piranga olivacea
Length: 6.3-6.7 inches (16-17 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.3 ounces (23-38 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-11.4 inches (25-29 cm)
During
the summer, Scarlet Tanagers breed in eastern forests before embarking on a migration to western South America. Southeastern U.S. states serve as a stopover during their migrations.
Scarlet Tanagers tend to stay high in the forest canopy, making them challenging to spot. However, their vibrant red coloration may catch your eye as they traverse branches in search of insects.
Listen to the song of the Scarlet Tanager:
Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC599850. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/599850.
Nests of Scarlet Tanagers are built by females in approximately four days. These nests are constructed using loosely woven twigs, grass, and plant material. The interior is lined with soft grass, pine needles, and other cozy materials. Scarlet Tanagers lay around four eggs, which take two weeks to hatch, with the young ones remaining in the nest for up to two weeks.
To attract Scarlet Tanagers, consider planting berry-producing plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries.
Interesting fact: Male Scarlet Tanagers engage in singing battles, occasionally escalating to actual fights.
17. The Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Meadowlarks, categorized as a near-threatened species in Quebec, can be spotted in the southern region of the province from April to October.
These medium-sized songbirds exhibit bright yellow undersides and pale brown bodies adorned with black markings on their backs. A distinctive black band stretches across their chests.
Scientific name: Sturnella magna
Length: 7.5-10.2 inches (19-26 cm)
Weight: 3.2-5.3 ounces (90-150 g)
Wingspan: 13.8-15.8 inches (35-40 cm)
Eastern Meadowlarks can be found throughout the year in eastern U.S. states. They breed in the Northeast and Canada before embarking on their southern migration.
The arrival of spring in the East is accompanied by the melodious singing and captivating displays of Eastern Meadowlarks, although their near-threatened status raises concerns.
You can spot Eastern Meadowlarks on the ground, particularly in grasslands and prairies, where they feed on insects. During winter, they gather in large flocks, foraging for seeds in fields.
Listen to the flute-like whistles of Eastern Meadowlarks:
Credit: Manuel Grosselet, XC645468. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/645468.
Nests of Eastern Meadowlarks are intricate constructions, often featuring tunnels and roofs made of woven grasses. They lay their eggs within these nests.
Interesting fact: Eastern Meadowlarks possess an extensive repertoire of over 100 songs.
18. The Pine Warbler
Pine Warblers are frequently observed in southern Quebec during the summer, mainly from mid-April to September. They are recorded on 2% of checklists during this period.
Pine Warblers are small, plump yellow birds with olive-colored backs, white lower bellies, and gray wingbars. Females may exhibit a browner appearance with more white on the belly.
Scientific name: Setophaga pinus
Length: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (9-15 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 inches (19-23 cm)
Pine Warblers breed in northeastern U.S. states before migrating to southeastern U.S. states. Some individuals remain in southeastern U.S. states throughout the year.
These warblers are primarily found in pine forests, as their name suggests, often perched high up in trees. They feed on caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other insects and larvae. When temperatures drop, they also consume fruit and seeds.
Listen to the song of the Pine Warbler:
Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC602052. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/602052.
Nests of Pine Warblers are typically located within pine trees. They are constructed using twigs, bark, pine needles, and grass, held together with spider webs and insect silk. The nests are lined with feathers and animal hair. Pine Warblers lay up to five eggs, which take around two weeks to hatch. The young ones leave the nest approximately ten days later.
To attract Pine Warblers to your yard, provide tube feeders and platform feeders stocked with millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and suet. Additionally, planting native fruit-bearing plants and vines such as bayberry, grape, sumac, and Virginia creeper can be enticing.
Interesting fact: Pine Warblers are among the few warbler species that primarily consume seeds, making them more likely visitors to backyard feeders.
19. The Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers can be spotted in Quebec during migration, primarily from May to June and September to October.
These warblers are not as vividly colored as their counterparts, displaying yellow-olive plumage. The orange crown, after which they are named, is rarely visible.
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 U.S. states, later migrating to the Pacific, East, and Gulf Coasts, as well as Mexico. They can be observed during migration in all U.S. states except the northeastern region.
These warblers are typically found in shrubs, low vegetation, and open woodlands, where they forage for insects, including caterpillars and flies. They also consume fruit, berries, seeds, and occasionally visit backyard feeders.
Listen to the song of the Orange-crowned Warbler:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC671865. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/671865.
Nests of Orange-crowned Warblers are situated near or on the ground. They are constructed using dead leaves, twigs, and stems, woven into a cup shape. The nests are lined with soft grass and animal hair. Orange-crowned Warblers lay up to six eggs.
To attract Orange-crowned Warblers to your yard, provide suet and peanut butter or hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water nectar.
Interesting fact: Orange-crowned Warblers will drink sap from the wells created by sapsuckers and woodpeckers.
20. The Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireos can be observed in Quebec during the summer, from May to October in the southern part of the province.
These bright yellow and gray birds feature olive-colored heads, with their throats, chests, and bellies displaying a vibrant yellow hue. Grayish-brown backs adorned with white streaks complete their distinctive appearance.
Scientific name: Vireo flavifrons
Length: 5.1-5.9 inches (13-15 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 ounces (15-21 g)
Wingspan: 9.1 inches (23 cm)
Yellow-throated Vireos breed in eastern U.S. states and spend the winter in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
These vireos can be found in mixed woodlands, where they actively hunt for insects and occasionally consume berries.
Listen to the song of the Yellow-throated Vireo:
Credit: Phoenix Birder, XC574089. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/574089.
Nests of Yellow-throated Vireos are hanging cups built high up in trees. They are constructed using bark, grass, pine needles, and other plant materials, secured with spider webs and insect silk.
Interesting fact: Male Yellow-throated Vireos scatter little piles of twigs in several locations, simulating nest-building activity to attract females.