Tennessee Warbler

Vermivora peregrina

The Tennessee Warbler is a fairly plain warbler, common as a migrant through the state.  Despite the name, the Tennessee Warbler is only found briefly in that state during migration.  It was named by Alexander Wilson, who first found the species in the state of Tennessee in 1832.  Populations of Tennessee Warblers often fluctuate wildly, following cycles of high and low spruce budworm populations. 

Habitat: Generally found high in forested areas during spring migration, lower during the fall migration.

Diet: Primarily insects, especially in the summer.  Will also eat nectar, berries, and occasionally seeds.

Behavior: Forages on the outer canopy of forest areas, as well as in shrubby and weedy areas.  Tennessee Warblers are fairly gregarious, forming loose breeding colonies in many locations, and often congregating in large groups during the winter months.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Tennessee Warbler Song

Migration: Summers throughout much of Canada, portions of the extreme northern United States.  Winters primarily in Central America.

Similar Species: Orange-crowned Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo

Status: Generally stable throughout its range.

Feeders: Will occasionally attend hummingbird feeders for nectar

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Tennessee Warbler

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Tennessee Warbler

3) eNature.com: Tennessee Warbler

Photo Information: May 19th, 2006 - Grounds of the USGS EROS Data Center, Minnehaha County, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

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