Watercolor portrait of Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia
common Primary Song

Learn to identify the Black-and-white Warbler by ear. Master the "wee-see wee-see" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“wee-see, wee-see, wee-see”

What the Black-and-white Warbler sounds like

A high, thin series of squeaky notes delivered at a deliberate pace, often compared to a squeaky wheel or a mouse with a megaphone.

How to tell it apart

Listen for: “wee-see wee-see”
Don't confuse with the Downy Woodpecker (juvenile). Often calls sharply pik and drums; warbler gives thin high song.

Lessons featuring the Black-and-white Warbler

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Black-and-white Warbler's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Buzz vs Beam Warblers lesson habitat
Buzz vs Beam Warblers
Tier 7 · Warblers & Sparrows Deep
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Where you'll hear it

Breeds across most of Canada, the Great Lakes, and the eastern United States; winters from the southeastern U.S. through Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and into northern South America.

Breeds in mature deciduous and mixed forests with large trees and a relatively open understory; during migration it uses almost any woodland, parks, and even mangroves.

Long-distance migrant. Northbound birds arrive to breeding grounds from late April to May; southbound movement occurs July through October, peaking in August–September. Some linger in the Southeast all winter.

How to recognize it by sight

The Black-and-white Warbler is a small, boldly striped songbird that creeps along trunks and branches like a miniature zebra-colored nuthatch. Males are crisply black-and-white, females slightly grayer, but both show the same distinctive head stripes and white wing bars. Its foraging style, plumage, and high-pitched song make it easy to pick out among mixed warbler flocks.

Similar species

Blackpoll Warbler

Blackpoll has greenish back in spring males; lacks extensive white on underparts in fall plumage

Brown Creeper

Brown Creeper is brown and white mottled, not boldly striped

Downy Woodpecker (juvenile)

Woodpecker heavier bill and lacks facial stripes

Black-and-white Warbler song FAQ

What does a Black-and-white Warbler sound like?
A high, thin series of squeaky notes delivered at a deliberate pace, often compared to a squeaky wheel or a mouse with a megaphone. Listen for the "wee-see wee-see" phrase.
How do I tell a Black-and-white Warbler from a Downy Woodpecker (juvenile) by sound?
Downy Woodpecker (juvenile): Often calls sharply pik and drums; warbler gives thin high song.
When is the best time to hear a Black-and-white Warbler?
Long-distance migrant. Northbound birds arrive to breeding grounds from late April to May; southbound movement occurs July through October, peaking in August–September. Some linger in the Southeast all winter.