Watercolor portrait of Virginia's Warbler (Leiothlypis virginiae)

Virginia's Warbler

Leiothlypis virginiae
Virginia's Warbler breeds in the interio… Look for it in scrubby foothills, pinyon… Uncommon Bouncy trilled song

Learn to identify the Virginia's Warbler by ear. Master the "see-see-see, suwee-suwee-suwee!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“see-see-see, suwee-suwee-suwee!”

What the Virginia's Warbler sounds like

A tiny gray warbler of dry, brushy hillsides in the Southwest. It looks plain at first, then flashes its best clues: a bright yellow undertail and, on many males, a rusty crown patch that peeks through when the bird is excited.

“see-see-see, suwee-suwee-suwee!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A lively, slightly rising series of clear notes that tumbles into a buzzy, cheerful finish. It carries well across dry hillsides and often gives away a bird hidden in scrub. Often written as “see-see-see, suwee-suwee-suwee!”.
Don't confuse with:The Nashville Warbler — nashville warbler usually shows brighter yellow below, especially on the throat and breast.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in scrubby foothills, pinyon-juniper slopes, oak brush, and chaparral. It likes dry country with low shrubs, scattered trees, and plenty of cover.

It arrives on breeding grounds in spring, sings hard through early summer, and slips south by late summer or early fall. During migration, it can turn up in brushy patches outside its usual range.

Similar species

Nashville Warbler

Nashville Warbler usually shows brighter yellow below, especially on the throat and breast.

Lucy's Warbler

Lucy's Warbler is paler and buffier, with a plainer face and no strong yellow undertail.

MacGillivray's Warbler

MacGillivray's Warbler has a darker hooded look and a heavier, more complete white eye-ring.

Virginia's Warbler song FAQ

What does a Virginia's Warbler sound like?
A lively, slightly rising series of clear notes that tumbles into a buzzy, cheerful finish. It carries well across dry hillsides and often gives away a bird hidden in scrub. Listen for the "see-see-see, suwee-suwee-suwee!" phrase.
How do I tell a Virginia's Warbler from a Nashville Warbler by sound?
Nashville Warbler: Nashville Warbler usually shows brighter yellow below, especially on the throat and breast.; Its eye-ring looks more complete and obvious, not just neat white crescents.; It lacks Virginia's Warbler's bold yellow undertail contrast..
When is the best time to hear a Virginia's Warbler?
It arrives on breeding grounds in spring, sings hard through early summer, and slips south by late summer or early fall. During migration, it can turn up in brushy patches outside its usual range.