Among the last migrants to pass through in spring, blackpoll warblers breed across the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, having wintered in the tropical forests of South America. Most funnel northward through Florida before fanning out across the eastern U.S.
Since spring males have a black cap, they may be mistaken for chickadees by novice birders but these mid-sized warblers have a slimmer build and black streaking on their backs and sides; females have grayer, less striking plumage. Contrary to most migratory songbirds, both sexes have more colorful, olive plumage in fall and winter; however, since their southward migration is over the Atlantic, from eastern Canada or New England, most American birders only see them in their spring outfits.
Last evening, I was fortunate to observe a male blackpoll warbler in our neighbor's walnut tree. As is typical for the species, he was moving deliberately through the canopy, searching for insects, spiders and their larvae; berries may also be consumed. It was a pleasure to have this long-distance migrant stop by our small piece of central Missouri.
Since spring males have a black cap, they may be mistaken for chickadees by novice birders but these mid-sized warblers have a slimmer build and black streaking on their backs and sides; females have grayer, less striking plumage. Contrary to most migratory songbirds, both sexes have more colorful, olive plumage in fall and winter; however, since their southward migration is over the Atlantic, from eastern Canada or New England, most American birders only see them in their spring outfits.
Last evening, I was fortunate to observe a male blackpoll warbler in our neighbor's walnut tree. As is typical for the species, he was moving deliberately through the canopy, searching for insects, spiders and their larvae; berries may also be consumed. It was a pleasure to have this long-distance migrant stop by our small piece of central Missouri.
