A small, very fast, but still easy to spot bird when you see one because of the conspicuous yellow and black markings and unique tail pattern, and not one, but two songs!
Meet the Magnolia Warbler
Photo Courtesy of ALAN SCHMIERER / Public domain
The magnolia warbler (Setophaga magnolia), is a member of the wood warbler Parulidae family. A moderately small bird, it is easily distinguished by its bold yellow and black striped stomach. Breeding males often have white, grey, and black backs with yellow on the sides. They also have white, grey, and black foreheads and beaks. They have very distinct tails with white stripes on the underside, which is also more defined by the white patches on their wings.
Photo Courtesy of Bettina Arrigoni / CC BY 2.0
A species with two songs, the male as one song to defend territory against other males, and the other to attract a mate.
Females are not as obvious males, though they are similarly colored they appear duller. Juvenile warblers tend to resemble females more than males.
Photo Courtesy of ALAN SCHMIERER / Public domain
The magnolia warbler is found in the north of some Midwestern states as well as the far northeastern parts of the United States. But it is mostly found across the northern parts of Canada, such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. During winter this warbler migrates through the eastern half of the US to southern Mexico and Central America.
Photo Courtesy of ALAN SCHMIERER / Public domain
The Magnolia warbler likes to be in dense forests or virtually any wooded area with young densely paced coniferous trees. They feed on any arthropod, but they prefer caterpillars. They also like beetles, butterflies, spiders, and fruit during their breeding season.
Photo Courtesy of Rodney Campbell / CC BY 2.0
Male magnolia warblers go to their breeding grounds about two weeks before the females. Once the females arrive both males and females work together to build their nest. The female then lays three to five eggs which she incubates for about two weeks. After the hatchlings are born she is also the main food provider, though the male also engages in feeding the offspring at times.
Photo Courtesy of Bettina Arrigoni / CC BY 2.0
The magnolia warbler is thought to be at least concern for conservation because it’s thought to be very widespread and not at risk of extinction.
Photo Courtesy of Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / CC BY 2.0
Watch and listen to this bird right here below:
