Blackpoll Warbler

Description

The black cap and plump shape of the breeding male are similar to the Black-capped Chickadee, but the similarity ends there. The throat and cheek are white and divided by a black “chin” stripe. The back is olive-gray with black streaks. The underparts are white and have black streaking. The wings have two white wing bars. The legs are orangish-yellow. Non-breeding males and females have an olive-yellow head and upper parts and a yellow “eyebrow”.

Size

Total length: 5″ to 5½″

Wingspan: 9″

Voice

The song is a three-second rapid series of notes, all of the same pitch, fading in, becoming louder, and fading out, sisisisisiSISISISISIsisisisisi. Some have a faster, insect-like call, tttttTTTTTttttt.

Similar Species

Habitat

Stunted coniferous trees and shrubs in mature forests and on open fens and bogs

Ecology

Migration

Early May to early June and late August to early October

Nesting

Food

Mostly insects and spiders, but also fruit during migration

Distribution

Occurrence

Uncommon to sometimes common migrant.

Although this species is abundant, the population has been crashing. Partners in Flight estimates that the number of individuals has decreased 92% since 1970. In 2018, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species upgraded this species’ status from Least Concern to Near Threatened. It is not listed in Minnesota.

Maps

The Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union All Seasons Species Occurrence Map