Connecticut Warbler

A shy warbler of dense thickets and undergrowth, the Connecticut warbler is generally quite difficult to observe. They also are among the last warblers to migrate in the spring, and the earliest to migrate in the fall, and thus often go unnoticed.  Connecticut Warblers forage with a slow and deliberate walk along the ground, a characteristic that by itself can be used to differentiate it from the similar Mourning Warbler.

Habitat: Often found in forested bogs and other wetlands on its summer breeding grounds.  Generally found low in dense undergrowth or shrubby areas during migration through the state.

Diet: Primarily insects.  Difficult to observe, but has been seen feeding on caterpillars, spiders, snails, raspberries, and seeds.

Behavior: Primarily forages ont he ground, walking around through leaf litter, flipping over leaves in search of insects and other prey.  They will also forages low in trees and undergrowth, walking along branches, searching for insects.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Connecticut Warbler song

Migration: Summers in central and southern Canada, and near the Great Lakes.  Winters in South America.

Interactive eBird Map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Connecticut Warbler sightings

Similar Species: Mourning Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler

Conservation Status: Generally stable, although some indications of decline.  Difficult to observe, populations estimates are sketchy at best.

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

2) Audubon Guide - Connecticut Warbler

3) WhatBird - Connecticut Warbler

Photo Information: Photo by Matt Stratmoen - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license.

 

Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view

South Dakota Status: Rare migrant in the eastern part of the state.

Additional Connecticut Warbler Photos (Coming Soon!)