Black-Throated Green Warbler
ExploreBirds
Black-Throated Green Warbler
setophaga virens
The Black-throated Green Warbler is a small, energetic songbird known for its buzzing, persistent song that heralds the arrival of spring in the coniferous and mixed forests of eastern North America. Admired by birdwatchers for its vibrant plumage and relentless activity, this warbler spends most of its time high in the forest canopy, actively foraging for insects. During the breeding season, its classic song can be heard echoing through the pines, making it a beloved symbol of northern woodlands.
Habitat: Found in mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those dominated by hemlock, spruce, or pine.
Appearance
Adults have an olive-green back, a bright yellow face, and a distinctive black throat and upper breast that contrasts sharply with their white underparts and greenish-yellow flanks. They feature two bold white wingbars on their dark wings. Females and immatures have a similar pattern but with a much paler, speckled, or entirely yellow throat instead of solid black.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyParulidaeGenusSetophaga
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite their small size, they migrate thousands of miles each year between their North American breeding grounds and Central American wintering sites.
During migration, some individuals stray far off course, occasionally turning up as rare vagrants in western Europe.
Males have two distinct songs: one used primarily to attract females, and another used to defend nesting territory against other males.
Special abilities
Ability
Hover-Gleaning
They can hover momentarily in mid-air to pluck insects off the undersides of leaves and needles.
Ability
Persistent Singer
Males are famous for singing up to 400 times an hour during the peak of the breeding season to defend territories.
Ability
Canopy Navigation
With lightweight bodies and sharp claws, they effortlessly hop and cling to the thin, outermost twigs of high tree canopies.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 11-13 cm
- Wingspan
- 17-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.007-0.011 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-7 years
- Top Speed
- 40 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-5
- Incubation
- 12-13 days
- Migration Distance
- 3000 km
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from tree foliage, occasionally eating berries.
Age differences: Nestlings are fed exclusively high-protein insects and larvae, while adults may occasionally eat berries during migration.
Primary Foods
- Caterpillars
- Spiders
- Beetles
- Flies
- Berries
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
competitor
Blue-headed Vireo
Vireo solitarius
Competes for nesting sites and insect resources in the upper canopy.
eaten by
Eastern Screech-Owl
Megascops asio
Preys upon small songbirds including warblers during the nesting season.
hunts
Spruce Budworm
Choristoneura fumiferana
Serves as a major food source, especially during seasonal outbreaks.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Black-Throated Green Warbler?
The easiest way to identify Black-Throated Green Warbler is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Black-Throated Green Warbler?
11-13 cm
What is Black-Throated Green Warbler's wingspan?
17-20 cm
How much does Black-Throated Green Warbler weigh?
0.007-0.011 kg
How long does Black-Throated Green Warbler live?
1-7 years
How fast can Black-Throated Green Warbler move?
40 km/h
What does Black-Throated Green Warbler eat?
Feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from tree foliage, occasionally eating berries.
Where is Black-Throated Green Warbler usually found?
Found in mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those dominated by hemlock, spruce, or pine.
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