Kentucky Warbler

Oporornis formosus

The Kentucky Warbler is primarily found in deciduous forests of the southeastern United States, usually near a water source.  They spend most of their time foraging on the forest floor, where they can be difficult to spot because of their shyness, despite their bright coloring.  While the core of the breeding range is to the south and east of South Dakota, summer specimens have been sighted in the extreme southeastern part of the state, although no confirmed breeding records exist (see SDOU's "Birds of South Dakota"). 

Habitat: During the summer breeding season, prefers deciduous forests near creeks, rivers, and swamps.  Found in lowland forests and second-growth forests in the tropics during the winter.

Diet: Primarily feed on insects and spiders, and occasionally berries.

Behavior: Nearly always forages along the forest floor, moving through the leaf litter, turning over leaves and other debris in search of insects. 

Breeding: Possible breeder in extreme southeastern South Dakota, but no confirmed records exist.

Song: Loud rich churry-churry-churry-churry-churry, consisting of between 5 and 8 notes.  Click here to listen to the Kentucky Warbler's song.  Also, click to listen to the Kentucky Warbler's call.

Migration: Summers throughout much of the Eastern United States south of the Great Lakes and New England.  Winters in southern Mexico, Central America, and extreme northern South America.

Similar Species: Common Yellowthroat

Conservation Status: Has declined in recent decades due to habitat loss.

South Dakota "Hotspot": Most South Dakota sightings of this species have been either at Newton Hills State Park or Union Grove State Park in the extreme southeastern edge of the state.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Kentucky Warbler

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Kentucky Warbler"

3) eNature.com: Kentucky Warbler

Photo Information: Photo from Ohio, courtesy of Lana Hays