Watercolor portrait of Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia)

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia
Mourning Warblers breed across much of C… Look for it in dense, brushy growth—youn… Uncommon Rolling woodland song

Learn to identify the Mourning Warbler by ear. Master the "churry churry churry chorry chorry" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“churry churry churry chorry chorry”

What the Mourning Warbler sounds like

The Mourning Warbler is a shy little songbird that likes to stay tucked in the shadows. Adult males look sharp in a slate-gray hood over a bright yellow belly, while females are softer and subtler but still glow warm yellow underneath.

“churry churry churry chorry chorry”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A rich, tumbling series of short phrases, often delivered from a hidden perch. It sounds energetic and slightly jumbled, like the bird is talking fast in the brush. Often written as “churry churry churry chorry chorry”.
Don't confuse with:The MacGillivray's Warbler — usually found in the west rather than the east.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in dense, brushy growth—young forests, overgrown clearings, logged areas, and shrubby edges. During migration, it drops into thick tangles and leafy understory where it can stay nicely hidden.

They arrive late in spring, after many other warblers are already singing. In summer, males deliver rich, rolling songs from hidden perches; in fall, these birds turn quiet and slip through cover like little olive mice.

Similar species

MacGillivray's Warbler

Usually found in the West rather than the East.

Connecticut Warbler

Shows a strong, complete white eye-ring.

Common Yellowthroat

Male has a bold black mask, not a gray hood.

Mourning Warbler song FAQ

What does a Mourning Warbler sound like?
A rich, tumbling series of short phrases, often delivered from a hidden perch. It sounds energetic and slightly jumbled, like the bird is talking fast in the brush. Listen for the "churry churry churry chorry chorry" phrase.
How do I tell a Mourning Warbler from a MacGillivray's Warbler by sound?
MacGillivray's Warbler: Usually found in the West rather than the East.; Often shows bolder broken white eye arcs above and below the eye.; Face pattern looks a bit more contrasted, while Mourning often looks plainer-faced..
When is the best time to hear a Mourning Warbler?
They arrive late in spring, after many other warblers are already singing. In summer, males deliver rich, rolling songs from hidden perches; in fall, these birds turn quiet and slip through cover like little olive mice.