Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga magnolia
Breeding males are striking and unmistakable: especially look for white wing patch, head pattern, and thick black streaks on underparts. Females and immatures are less obvious and might be mistaken for Canada Warbler, but combination of gray head, yellow underparts, white wingbars, and at least some dark streaks on the flanks is distinctive. Always look for tail pattern from below: basal half is white, tip is black. Breeds in coniferous forests, especially with dense understory. Migrants and wintering birds can be found in any wooded area or edge. Winters primarily in Central America and the Caribbean.
Identification
This species is a moderately small New World warbler. It measures 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in) in length and spans 16 to 20 cm (6.3 to 7.9 in) across the wings. Body mass in adult birds can range from 6.6 to 12.6 g (0.23 to 0.44 oz), though weights have reportedly ranged up to 15 g (0.53 oz) prior to migration. Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 5.4 to 6.4 cm (2.1 to 2.5 in), the tail is 4.6 to 5.2 cm (1.8 to 2.0 in), the bill is 0.8 to 1 cm (0.31 to 0.39 in) and the tarsus is 1.7 to 1.85 cm (0.67 to 0.73 in). The magnolia warbler can be distinguished by its coloration. The breeding males often have white, gray, and black backs with yellow on the sides; yellow and black-striped stomachs; white, gray, and black foreheads and beaks; distinct black tails with white stripes on the underside; and defined white patches on their wings, called wing bars. Breeding females usually have the same type of coloration as the males, except that their colors are much duller. Immature warblers also resemble the same dull coloration of the females. The yellow and black-striped stomachs help one to distinguish the males from other similar birds, like the prairie warbler and Kirtland's warbler (which, however, have a breeding range to the south and east of the magnolia warbler's).
Taxonomy
Genus: Setophaga; Family: Parulidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Setophaga magnolia
- Authority
- (Wilson, A, 1811)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Parulidae
- Genus
- Setophaga
Range and habitat
The magnolia warbler is found in the northern parts of some Midwestern states and the very northeastern parts of the US, with states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin comprising its southernmost boundaries. However, it is mostly found across the northern parts of Canada, such as in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. During the winter, the warbler migrates through the eastern half of the United States to southern Mexico and Central America. The warbler breeds in dense forests, where it will most likely be found among the branches of young, densely packed, coniferous trees. The magnolia warbler migrates to the warmer south in the winter, wintering in southeastern Mexico, Panama, and parts of the Caribbean. In migration it passes through the eastern part of the United States as far west as Oklahoma and Kansas. During migration season, the magnolia warbler can be found in various types of woodlands.
- Breeding range
- NA : c Canada to se Canada and ne and nc USA
- Non-breeding range
- MA and West Indies
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Migration pattern: Complete migrants.
Conservation
Population trend: rising.
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Blue Bunting
Cyanocompsa parellina
Unobtrusive small bird of brushy woodland and forest understory in tropical lowlands, mainly in drier habitats. Usually seen as singles or pairs, low in weedy growth. Male blue-black overall; with good views, note the blue forehead, ‘jowls,’ and rump. Female in West Mexico gray-brown overall, in East Mexico rich brown overall. Similar female Varied Bunting has a smaller bill and different call note: a wet plik; Blue Bunting call is a high tsik in West Mexico, a metallic chink in East Mexico.
Dwarf Bittern
Botaurus sturmii
Tiny, compact, dark bittern. Slate-gray on the upperparts and pale on the underparts, which have thick dark streaks. Found in heavily vegetated wetland habitats, including ponds, swamps, and sometimes mangroves. Uncommon, shy, and secretive. Call is a short series of low “hraw” notes. Somewhat similar to Striated Heron, but smaller, shorter- and thicker-necked, and darker on the back.
Ochraceous Attila
Attila torridus
Bright, tawny flycatcher with a hooked bill. Nearly endemic to western Ecuador, just barely reaching Peru and Colombia. Upperparts and breast are orange-brown, belly is yellow, and wings are dark with brown wingbars. Inhabits rainforest as well as lighter, more disturbed woodland. Usually found perched at mid-levels in the trees, and often pumps its tail. Typical song is a series of about five loud, rising whistles followed by “purr-whip!”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.