Blackburnian Warbler

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.

Long-distance Neotropical migrant: breeds in Canada and the northeastern & Appalachian United States; migrates through eastern North America; winters in the northern Andes of South America.

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.

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.