Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

Hooded Warblers breed across the eastern… It favors moist deciduous forests with a… Fairly common Territorial song

Learn to identify the Hooded Warbler by ear. Master the "ta-wee-ta-wee-ta-WEE!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“ta-wee-ta-wee-ta-WEE!”

What the Hooded Warbler sounds like

A flash of lemon-yellow and velvet black, the Hooded Warbler glows in shady forest understories. Males look like they’re wearing a tiny black hood, while females are softer olive-yellow but still bright-eyed and lively as they flick through tangles.

“ta-wee-ta-wee-ta-WEE!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A bright, ringing song that rises with energy, often repeated from the same shady perch. It cuts through the woods like a tiny voice with something urgent to say. Often written as “ta-wee-ta-wee-ta-WEE!”.

Don't confuse with:The Wilson's Warbler — wilson's warbler is smaller and lacks the male hooded warbler's full black face-and-throat hood.

Where you'll hear it

It favors moist deciduous forests with a dense shrub layer, especially ravines, stream bottoms, and leafy woods with thick understory. During migration, it also drops into thickets, woodland edges, and shady gardens.

Spring brings singing males to shady woods, where they proclaim territory from low perches. In late summer and fall, they go quieter and skulkier, then head south for winter.

Similar species

Wilson's Warbler

Wilson's Warbler is smaller and lacks the male Hooded Warbler's full black face-and-throat hood.

Common Yellowthroat

Male Common Yellowthroat has a black mask across the eyes, not a full hood around the face and throat.

Kentucky Warbler

Kentucky Warbler is larger and heavier-bodied, with yellow 'spectacles' around the eyes instead of a black hood.

Hooded Warbler song FAQ

What does a Hooded Warbler sound like?

A bright, ringing song that rises with energy, often repeated from the same shady perch. It cuts through the woods like a tiny voice with something urgent to say. Listen for the "ta-wee-ta-wee-ta-WEE!" phrase.

How do I tell a Hooded Warbler from a Wilson's Warbler by sound?

Wilson's Warbler: Wilson's Warbler is smaller and lacks the male Hooded Warbler's full black face-and-throat hood.; Wilson's usually shows a plain yellow face with a neat black cap, not a black hood wrapping around the face.; It also tends to forage more openly during migration..

When is the best time to hear a Hooded Warbler?

Spring brings singing males to shady woods, where they proclaim territory from low perches. In late summer and fall, they go quieter and skulkier, then head south for winter.