Ovenbird -- Seiurus aurocapillus -- South Dakota Birds
| Ovenbird | Length: 6 inches | Wingspan: 9 inches | Seasonality: Summer/Migrant |
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Identification Keys (both sexes): Obvious white eye-ring, white underparts with brown streaks, olive-brown upperparts, orangish crown stripe with black edges. |
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Ovenbirds 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-TEACHER. Click 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
2)
Cornell University's "All About Birds - 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.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
