Bird Photos
Species Accounts
Conservation Issues
| |
Spring Warbler
Banded Spring Migration, 1996 - Carmel, Indiana
General Information
The following photos illustrate some of the many species of warblers regularly seen
each year at our banding station. Of the 113 or so species of warblers that occur in the
new world, more than 50 migrate to or extend their range into North America to breed.
These colorful little birds with their musical songs usually arrive here just as the trees
and foliage are leafing out, and are popular with the birdwatching community.
These birds play an extremely important role in the ecology of North American forests.
Their arrival as the trees leaf out is timed well with the emergence of many destructive
insect pests, especially caterpillars. These birds work over the trees from top to bottom,
gleaning the insects that are emerging. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that the
part of the tree covered is somewhat species specific. Some species feed at low and mid
levels (Myrtle Warbler), some on the trunk and branches (Black-and-white Warbler), some
feed at mid levels near the outside (Black-throated Green Warbler), some at mid level on
the inside (Blackburnian Warbler), and others feeding at the uppermost portion of the tree
(Cape May and Cerulean Warbler).
The populations of many species are declining. Because of their importance to the
health of our forests and their aesthetic value to our world, it is critically important
that the causes of these declines be identified and effective measures taken to halt and
reverse these population declines.
|
The Blackburnian Warbler with its fiery
orange throat is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular of the Dendroica
group. This long distance migrant from the Neotropics arrives in North America to breed in
mature coniferous and secondary growth forest. Their habit of singing from the very tops
of tall trees makes them difficult to view on their breeding territory.
|
Figure 1 - Male Blackburnian Warbler
|
Figure 2 - Male Canada Warbler
|
The yellow spectacles and black necklace on a
bright yellow breast are the certain field marks of the Canada Warbler. This long distance
migrant from northern and northwestern South America is commonly seen during its migratory
travels through the eastern and central US.
|
The male Chestnut-sided Warbler sports a
golden yellow crown and rich chestnut flanks. A resident of Central America, this species
favors edge habitat for breeding territory. Unlike most warbler species, the clearing of
forests has actually benefited this species by creating more of its preferred edge
habitat.
|
Figure 3 - Male Chestnut-sided Warbler
|
Figure 4 - Male Magnolia Warbler
|
With more variable plumages than any other
warbler species, this resident of Central America and the West Indies seeks out the
coniferous forests of northern North America to raise its young. The extensive white band
across the tail is characteristic for this species.
|
Black-and-white Warblers are noted for their
foraging habit of creeping nuthatch-like up and down and along trunks and branches. A
resident of the extreme southeastern coast of the US, Central and South America and the
West Indies, this species seeks out breeding territories in moist woodlands in northern
and eastern North America.
|
Figure 5 - Male Black-and-white Warbler
|
Figure 6 - Male Blackpole Warbler
|
The Blackpoll Warbler is the king of migrant
warblers. Wintering as far south as Chile, this species seeks out the spruce forests of
the northern extremes of Alaska and North America, making a round trip that in some cases
may cover more than 14,000 miles! Note the black head and white face that distinguish this
species from the Black-and-white Warbler (Fig. 5).
|
Wilson’s Warbler is common especially in
western North America. The black cap on the adult male is reduced or lacking on the
female. A resident of Central America, this species nests on the ground in many different
habitat types where a well developed understory is found.
|
Figure 7 - Male Wilson's Warbler
|
Figure 8 - Male American Redstart
|
The male American Redstart obtains its
spectacular black, red, white and yellow plumage during its second year. In habits, this
species seems more like a flycatcher than a warbler. Well developed rictal bristles around
the broadly based bill attest to its flycatcher like lifestyle.
|
One’s first encounter with the
Prothonotary Warbler is unforgettable. Once called the Golden Swamp Warbler for its color
and its preference for swampy habitats, this species is unusual among warblers for its
habit of nesting in tree cavities.
|
Figure 9 - Female Prothonotary Warbler
|
Figure 10 - Bay-breasted Warbler
|
Another long distance migrant, the
Bay-breasted Warbler is resident to the northern regions of South America. It seeks out
the coniferous forests of Canada for breeding, making a round trip of some 6,000 miles. |
The Northern and Louisiana Waterthrushes are
very similar in appearance. Both species are resident to Central and northern South
America. In North America, the Northern Waterthrush breeds further north than the
Louisiana Waterthrush. Preferred nesting sites are thickets and woodlands near water.
|
Figure 11 - Northern Waterthrush
|
Figure 12 - Male Golden-winged Warbler
|
The Golden-winged Warbler is closely related
to and often interbreeds with the Blue-winged Warbler, producing the dominant
Brewster’s and the recessive Lawrence’s Warbler. A resident of Central and South
America, these birds migrate to the northeastern US and Great Lakes region to seek out
their preferred successional old fields with woodlands to nest.
|
|
