Watercolor portrait of Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca)

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca
Long-distance Neotropical migrant: breed… Breeds in mature coniferous and mixed de… Uncommon High climactic trill

Learn to identify the Blackburnian Warbler by ear. Master the "zip zip zip zip ZEEEE" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“zip zip zip zip ZEEEE”

What the Blackburnian Warbler sounds like

A dazzling treetop warbler, the Blackburnian Warbler is instantly recognizable by the male’s fiery orange throat that glows like a coal against bold black-and-white upperparts. Even the comparatively subdued females show a warm yellow throat and striking face pattern. This species spends most of its time high in the canopy, gleaning insects from the tips of spruce, hemlock, and other conifers.

“zip zip zip zip ZEEEE”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Extremely high-pitched series of 5–7 thin ‘zip’ notes that rise in pitch and end in a sharp, accented flourish; often delivered from the canopy summit. Often written as “zip zip zip zip ZEEEE”.
Don't confuse with:The Bay-breasted Warbler — bay-breasted lacks orange throat—shows chestnut throat and flanks in spring males.

Lessons featuring the Blackburnian Warbler

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

Warbler Wordplay lesson habitat
Warbler Wordplay
Tier 7 · Warblers & Sparrows Deep
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Where you'll hear it

Breeds in mature coniferous and mixed deciduous–coniferous forests of eastern and boreal North America, especially spruce–fir, white pine, and eastern hemlock stands. During migration it frequents a variety of woodlands, groves, and even city parks. Winters in humid montane forests from Colombia to Peru and northern Bolivia, typically between 1,000–2,500 m elevation.

Northbound migrants peak April–May; breeding from late May through July; fledglings in July–August; southbound migration August–October; winter residency September–April in South America.

Similar species

Bay-breasted Warbler

Bay-breasted lacks orange throat—shows chestnut throat and flanks in spring males.

American Redstart

Male redstart shows orange patches in tail and wings, not on throat.

Cerulean Warbler

Cerulean is blue-gray above, white below with a narrow dark breast band—no orange.

Blackburnian Warbler song FAQ

What does a Blackburnian Warbler sound like?
Extremely high-pitched series of 5–7 thin ‘zip’ notes that rise in pitch and end in a sharp, accented flourish; often delivered from the canopy summit. Listen for the "zip zip zip zip ZEEEE" phrase.
How do I tell a Blackburnian Warbler from a Bay-breasted Warbler by sound?
Bay-breasted Warbler: Bay-breasted lacks orange throat—shows chestnut throat and flanks in spring males.; Has two broad white wing bars rather than single large patch.; Overall heavier‐bodied, shorter tail..
When is the best time to hear a Blackburnian Warbler?
Northbound migrants peak April–May; breeding from late May through July; fledglings in July–August; southbound migration August–October; winter residency September–April in South America.