Watercolor portrait of Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina)

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina
Breeds across Canada, Alaska, and the ex… Breeds in young, moist spruce-fir and mi… Common migrant and breeder in boreal zone Three-Part Accelerating Series

Learn to identify the Tennessee Warbler by ear. Master the "tsee-tsee-tsee, ti-ti-ti, se-se-se-se" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tsee-tsee-tsee, ti-ti-ti, se-se-se-se”

What the Tennessee Warbler sounds like

Despite its name, the Tennessee Warbler spends little time in Tennessee. This slender, energetic wood-warbler is olive-green above and clean whitish to pale gray below, with a sharp, needle-like bill it uses to glean caterpillars from foliage. Males deliver a rapid, three-part song from the canopy during the breeding season.

“tsee-tsee-tsee, ti-ti-ti, se-se-se-se”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Male delivers a rapid, high-pitched series of short notes in three sequences, each repeated several times. Often described as sounding like 'chip-chip-chip, che-che-che, chit-chit-chit'. Carries far across the boreal forest. Often written as “tsee-tsee-tsee, ti-ti-ti, se-se-se-se”.
Don't confuse with:The Orange-crowned Warbler — usually shows faint blurry streaks on undertail coverts.

Where you'll hear it

Breeds in young, moist spruce-fir and mixed boreal forests with a dense understory of shrubs; during migration found in almost any shrubby edge, second-growth woodland, parks, and gardens.

Long-distance Neotropical migrant. Present on North American breeding grounds May–August, southbound migration August–October, winters November–March, northbound migration April–May.

Similar species

Orange-crowned Warbler

Usually shows faint blurry streaks on undertail coverts.

Philadelphia Vireo

Stouter bill and slower, deliberate movements.

Warbling Vireo

Longer body and thicker bill.

Tennessee Warbler song FAQ

What does a Tennessee Warbler sound like?
Male delivers a rapid, high-pitched series of short notes in three sequences, each repeated several times. Often described as sounding like 'chip-chip-chip, che-che-che, chit-chit-chit'. Carries far across the boreal forest. Listen for the "tsee-tsee-tsee, ti-ti-ti, se-se-se-se" phrase.
How do I tell a Tennessee Warbler from a Orange-crowned Warbler by sound?
Orange-crowned Warbler: Usually shows faint blurry streaks on undertail coverts.; Lacks the Tennessee’s crisp white eyebrow; overall more yellow below.; Bill slightly heavier; undertail often yellow-washed..
When is the best time to hear a Tennessee Warbler?
Long-distance Neotropical migrant. Present on North American breeding grounds May–August, southbound migration August–October, winters November–March, northbound migration April–May.