Watercolor portrait of Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina)

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina
Cape May Warblers breed mainly in Canada… It breeds in dense spruce and fir forest… Uncommon Thin, rising warble

Learn to identify the Cape May Warbler by ear. Master the "tsee-tsee-tsee-tsi-tsi-tsi!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tsee-tsee-tsee-tsi-tsi-tsi!”

What the Cape May Warbler sounds like

A tiny warbler with big personality, the Cape May Warbler glows with yellow, chestnut, and black in spring. Males look boldly striped, while females are softer olive and yellow, but both often flash a bright yellow rump and a neat white wing patch as they forage high in the trees.

“tsee-tsee-tsee-tsi-tsi-tsi!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A very high, wiry series of notes that can speed up or rise slightly at the end. It is easy to miss if the bird is high overhead in wind or conifers. Often written as “tsee-tsee-tsee-tsi-tsi-tsi!”.
Don't confuse with:The Blackburnian Warbler — male blackburnian shows a blazing orange throat instead of a yellow, streaked breast.

Where you'll hear it

It breeds in dense spruce and fir forests, especially in the boreal north. During migration, look for it in treetops, flowering trees, orchards, and sheltered wood edges.

Spring males are dazzling and easier to spot, often feeding high in fresh leaves or blossoms. Numbers can swing wildly from year to year, depending on spruce budworm outbreaks on the breeding grounds.

Similar species

Blackburnian Warbler

Male Blackburnian shows a blazing orange throat instead of a yellow, streaked breast.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped is chunkier and usually less finely striped below.

Pine Warbler

Pine Warbler looks plainer and more evenly yellow-green, without strong streaking in most birds.

Cape May Warbler song FAQ

What does a Cape May Warbler sound like?
A very high, wiry series of notes that can speed up or rise slightly at the end. It is easy to miss if the bird is high overhead in wind or conifers. Listen for the "tsee-tsee-tsee-tsi-tsi-tsi!" phrase.
How do I tell a Cape May Warbler from a Blackburnian Warbler by sound?
Blackburnian Warbler: Male Blackburnian shows a blazing orange throat instead of a yellow, streaked breast.; Blackburnian has a stronger face pattern and lacks the Cape May's chestnut cheek patch look.; Cape May often shows more obvious breast streaking and a brighter yellow rump..
When is the best time to hear a Cape May Warbler?
Spring males are dazzling and easier to spot, often feeding high in fresh leaves or blossoms. Numbers can swing wildly from year to year, depending on spruce budworm outbreaks on the breeding grounds.