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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia
Breeds across most of Canada, the Great… Breeds in mature deciduous and mixed for… 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

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.

“wee-see wee-see”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A high, thin series of squeaky notes delivered at a deliberate pace, often compared to a squeaky wheel or a mouse with a megaphone. Often written as “wee-see, wee-see, wee-see”.
Don't confuse with:The Blackpoll Warbler — blackpoll has greenish back in spring males; lacks extensive white on underparts in fall plumage

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 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.

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 Blackpoll Warbler by sound?
Blackpoll Warbler: Blackpoll has greenish back in spring males; lacks extensive white on underparts in fall plumage; Usually stays in outer canopy, not on trunks.
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.