Ovenbird -- Seiurus aurocapillus -- South Dakota Birds

Ovenbird Length: 6 inches Wingspan: 9 inches Seasonality: Summer/Migrant

Identification Keys (both sexes): Obvious white eye-ring, white underparts with brown streaks, olive-brown upperparts, orangish crown stripe with black edges.

Ovenbird - Seiurus aurocapillusOvenbirds are found in mature forests of eastern and central North America.  They are named after their nest, a domed structure with a side entrance which resembles old wood ovens.  They are most often encountered walking on the forest floor, searching the leaf litter and rotten wood for insects.  However, they are probably heard more often than seen, having a very bold and distinctive song.

Habitat: Will breed in a variety of forest types, but generally needs large unbroken forest tracts with a closed canopy and an open understory.  In winter, they're found in forests and brushy thickets.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects.  They will also take earthworms, spiders, small amphibians and snails, and occasionally, fruits, berries, and seeds.

Behavior: Forages by hopping along the ground, searching for insects in rotten wood and in fallen leaves.  They will also occasionally take flying insects from midair.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Loud repeating call, getting stronger towards the end...TEAcher-TEAcher-TEACHERClick here to listen to the Ovenbird's song.  Also, click to listen to the Ovenbird's call.

Migrations: Summers throughout central and southeastern Canada, locally in the northern Great plains, and throughout most of the northeastern quarter of the United States.  Winters in Florida, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Similar Species: Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush

Status: Numbers appear to be stable, even though they're one of the most common hosts to Cowbird parasitism. 

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Ovenbird

Ovenbird - South Dakota Range Map2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Ovenbird"

3) eNature.com: Ovenbird

Photo Information: June 3rd, 2006 -- Newton Hills State Park -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Ovenbird photos.

 

Additional Ovenbird Photos
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Ovenbird - Seiurus aurocapillus

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This page was last edited on 02/03/08