The Black-throated Green Warbler is a small, active songbird recognizable by its vibrant yellow face, olive-green back, and distinctive black throat and breast streaks on males. These birds breed in coniferous and mixed forests across northern North America and the Appalachians, often nesting high in trees.
Habitat:
Generally found in forest and forest edges during migration through the state. Breeds primarily in conifer and mixed forests.
Diet:
Primarily insects. Will occasionally eat berries during migration and in winter.
Behavior:
An active forager, moving briskly from location to location along branches and in the foliage of trees, gleaning insects from the vegetation surface, or occasionally flitting out to snag insects in mid-air.
Interactive eBird Map:
Click to access an interactive eBird map of Black-throated Green Warbler sightings
Song:
The voice of a Black-throated Green Warbler is a high-pitched, slightly nasal song often described as "zee-zee-zee-zoh-eee. Males have two distinct, repetitive song types used for territorial defense and attracting mates, typically heard in high forest canopy. They will also often use a crisp chip call.
Click here to hear a Black-throated Green Warbler Song
Click here to hear the chip calls of a Black-throated Green Warbler
Migration:
Summers in New England, the Appalachians, the Great Lakes region, and much of southern and eastern Canada. Winters in Mexico and points south.
Similar Species:
Townsend's Warbler , Hermit Warbler. These three warblers are best differentiated by their facial patterns and underpart coloration. The Townsend's Warbler is the darkest, featuring a black cap and olive back. The Hermit Warbler has a clean yellow head and white breast, while the Black-throated Green Warbler has a yellowish face, green crown, and white sides with black streaks
Conservation Status:
The Black-throated Green Warbler is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN , with a stable population and large population. While common and widespread in northern coniferous forests, they face localized threats from habitat fragmentation, logging, and other habitat disruptions. Breeding numbers in the Great Lakes region have been in decline.
Photo Information:
Photo taken on May 24th, 2012 near Acadia National Park, Maine - Terry Sohl
