Watercolor portrait of Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii)

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii
It breeds in the southeastern United Sta… Look for it in dense, shady understory i… Uncommon Ringing, accelerating whistle song

Learn to identify the Swainson's Warbler by ear. Master the "tee-tee-tee-tee-WHEE-whee-whee!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tee-tee-tee-tee-WHEE-whee-whee!”

What the Swainson's Warbler sounds like

Swainson's Warbler is a big, plain warbler in warm brown and buff tones. It slips through cane and swamp shadows like a little mouse, then suddenly lets loose a rich, ringing song from deep cover.

“tee-tee-tee-tee-WHEE-whee-whee!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loud, rich series of slurred whistles that often speeds up and swells at the end. It can pour out of a dark thicket and sound far bigger than the bird. Often written as “tee-tee-tee-tee-WHEE-whee-whee!”.
Don't confuse with:The Ovenbird — ovenbird has bold black streaks on the breast; swainson's warbler is plain underneath.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in dense, shady understory in the Southeast: bottomland hardwood swamps, giant cane thickets, and moist forest ravines with rhododendron or laurel. It likes places that feel tangled, humid, and hard to walk through.

Spring is the best time to find one, because males sing loudly from hidden perches. By summer it gets quieter, and in migration or winter it stays low, secretive, and easy to miss.

Similar species

Ovenbird

Ovenbird has bold black streaks on the breast; Swainson's Warbler is plain underneath.

Worm-eating Warbler

Worm-eating Warbler has bold dark and buff stripes on the crown; Swainson's crown looks mostly plain brown.

Kentucky Warbler

Kentucky Warbler glows yellow below and has bold black sideburns; Swainson's is buffy and much plainer.

Swainson's Warbler song FAQ

What does a Swainson's Warbler sound like?
A loud, rich series of slurred whistles that often speeds up and swells at the end. It can pour out of a dark thicket and sound far bigger than the bird. Listen for the "tee-tee-tee-tee-WHEE-whee-whee!" phrase.
How do I tell a Swainson's Warbler from a Ovenbird by sound?
Ovenbird: Ovenbird has bold black streaks on the breast; Swainson's Warbler is plain underneath.; Ovenbird shows a strong white eye ring and orange-striped crown; Swainson's face is much softer and less patterned.; Both walk on the ground, but Swainson's usually sticks closer to dense thickets and swampy cover..
When is the best time to hear a Swainson's Warbler?
Spring is the best time to find one, because males sing loudly from hidden perches. By summer it gets quieter, and in migration or winter it stays low, secretive, and easy to miss.