# Blackpoll Warbler (*Setophaga striata*) The Blackpoll Warbler is a small bird with black streaks on its sides and a white throat. It travels thousands of miles each year during migration, crossing the Atlantic Ocean to reach its nesting grounds in the northern forests. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 12 - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Black-poll Warbler, Blackpoll ![Blackpoll Warbler](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426711/objects/5915.jpg) ## Appearance The Blackpoll Warbler has a striking black cap and bold white cheeks. Its white underparts are heavily streaked with black, especially on the flanks. Its gray back also has black streaks, and its wings show two distinct white bars. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Parulidae - **Genus:** Setophaga ## Interesting facts - Before their long migration, Blackpolls can eat enough to nearly double their body weight in fat! - Blackpoll Warblers nest in cold northern boreal forests, often building their nests close to the ground. - Their incredibly high-pitched song is often difficult for older humans to hear! - They often fly at altitudes of over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) during their incredible oceanic journeys! ## Special abilities - **Marathon Migrator:** Blackpoll Warbler can fly thousands of kilometers non-stop over the ocean, thanks to incredible endurance and fat reserves. - **Energy Dynamo:** Blackpoll Warbler can nearly double its body weight in fat before migration, fueling its epic long-distance journey. - **Insect Snatcher:** Blackpoll Warbler has agile acrobatic moves that help them glean tiny insects and spiders from tree leaves and branches. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 12-14 cm - **Wingspan:** 20-24 cm - **Weight:** 0.01-0.015 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-6 years - **Speed:** 40 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-5 - **Incubation:** 11-12 days - **Migration Distance:** 10000 km ## Diet & Feeding Tiny insectivores, they munch on caterpillars, spiders, and other small bugs. - **Primary Foods:** Caterpillars, Spiders, Beetles, Flies, Aphids, Berries - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Sharp-shinned Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sharp-shinned-hawk) (*Accipiter striatus*) — A common predator of small songbirds. - **Hunts:** Forest Tent Caterpillar (*Malacosoma disstria*) — Eats these defoliating caterpillars in summer. - **Shelter:** [White Spruce](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-spruce) (*Picea glauca*) — Nests are often built in the dense branches of this tree. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Observe these birds from a distance to avoid disturbing their nesting areas. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Blackpoll Warbler? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Blackpoll Warbler? 12-14 cm ### What is Blackpoll Warbler's wingspan? 20-24 cm ### How much does Blackpoll Warbler weigh? 0.01-0.015 kg ### How long does Blackpoll Warbler live? 3-6 years ### How fast can Blackpoll Warbler move? 40 km/h ### What does Blackpoll Warbler eat? Tiny insectivores, they munch on caterpillars, spiders, and other small bugs. ### Where is Blackpoll Warbler usually found? Forests ## Where to spot - [Clinton Hill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/clinton-hill-historic-district) — New York, US · Historic District - [East 73rd Street Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/east-73rd-street-historic-district) — New York, US · Historic District - [Falls Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/falls-park) — South Dakota, US · Park - [Jumel Terrace Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jumel-terrace-historic-district) — New York, US · Historic District - [Key West Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/key-west-aquarium) — US · Zoo - [Red River Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/red-river-zoo) — North Dakota, US · Zoo [View all places to see Blackpoll Warbler](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/blackpoll-warbler) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Blackpoll Warbler: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blackpoll-warbler)