Kentucky Warbler -- Oporornis formosus -- South Dakota Birds

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: Usually forages along the ground, flipping over vegetation in search of insects.  They will also sometimes jump upward and snatch insects from the underside of foliage. 

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.

Migrations: 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

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

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

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

3) E-nature.com: Kentucky Warbler

Photo Information: Photo from Ohio, courtesy of Lana Hays

Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 01/26/08