What does the Black-throated Green Warbler song sound like?

Setophaga virens

Song Common

Play the real Black-throated Green Warbler song, the "zee zee zee zoo zee", and learn what to listen for.

“zee zee zee zoo zee”

What the Black-throated Green Warbler song sounds like

Rapid series of 4-6 buzzy, rising notes ending with a slurred "zoo zee"; given mainly to attract females.

“zee zee zee zoo zee”

Birders often file this one under Type 1 Song.

How to find the bird singing it

Breeds in mature coniferous or mixed hemlock–spruce–fir forests as well as white-cedar swamps across Canada, New England, and the Appalachians. During migration it uses almost any woodland, and on the wintering grounds it favors humid pine-oak and evergreen forests from Mexico through the Caribbean to northern South America.

Yellow Face: Glowing yellow face framed by a dark olive eyeline and auricular border.
Black Throat (male): Solid black throat and upper breast sharply contrast with yellow face and white belly.
Olive-Green Back: Even, dull-olive mantle and crown lacking streaks.

When you'll hear it

Breeding (spring–summer)

Males sing persistently from high conifer branches; plumage brightest and black throat solid.

Migration

Often joins mixed flocks; can appear in any woodland, including parks and yards.

Winter (non-breeding)

Uses mid-canopy of pine-oak or evergreen forest in the tropics; males keep black throat but feathers look more worn.

Black-throated Green Warbler song FAQ

What does a Black-throated Green Warbler song sound like?

Rapid series of 4-6 buzzy, rising notes ending with a slurred "zoo zee"; given mainly to attract females. Birders write it as "zee zee zee zoo zee".

How do I tell a Black-throated Green Warbler from a Townsend’s Warbler by ear?

Townsend’s Warbler: Townsend’s shows bold black cheek patch; Black-throated Green has yellow cheek.; Townsend’s has yellow breast sides; Black-throated Green’s sides are white with black streaks..

When is the best time to hear the Black-throated Green Warbler song?

Arrives on breeding grounds from late April to mid-May; peak breeding May–July; southbound migration August–October; spends November–March on the wintering grounds.

More Black-throated Green Warbler sounds

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