Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

The Ovenbird is a small, brown bird that loves to sing in the forests. It makes a special nest on the ground that looks like an oven, which is how it got its name!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Ovenbird has an olive-brown back and white underparts with bold, black streaking across its chest. A distinctive orange crown, bordered by black stripes, and a prominent white eye-ring make it visually unique.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyParulidaeGenusSeiurus

Photo: RhododendritesCC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗

Ovenbird

Interesting facts

Its loud 'teacher-teacher-teacher' song is one of the loudest sounds in the forest!

Its unique domed nest, made of leaves on the ground, gives the bird its name!

Ovenbirds can migrate thousands of miles from North America to Central America!

Unlike most warblers, it walks on the forest floor, bobbing its head like a chicken!

Special abilities

Ovenbirds can skillfully forage for food by walking on the forest floor, unlike most warblers that hop in trees.

Ovenbirds have streaky brown and olive feathers that help them blend perfectly into the leaf litter.

Ovenbirds possess powerful vocal cords that allow them to sing an incredibly loud, ringing 'teacher-teacher' song.

Ovenbirds can construct a unique domed nest on the ground using leaves and grass, resembling an old-fashioned oven.

Measurements & details

Length: 11-16 cm
Wingspan: 20-25 cm
Weight: 0.018-0.028 kg
Lifespan: 2-8 years
Speed: 45 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-6
Incubation: 11-14 days
Migration Distance: 4000 km

Diet & Feeding

Ovenbirds munch on tasty insects and tiny creatures they find on the forest floor.

Primary Foods

beetles
ants
caterpillars
spiders
snails
slugs

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

A quick hunter of small birds.

Eaten by

Black Rat Snake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Preys on eggs and nestlings.

Eaten by

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

A common predator of ground nests.

Eats

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

A common food source.

Eats

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Malacosoma americanum

Feeds on these forest pests.

Traits

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Singing

Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Forest

Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

Diurnal

Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Birds

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Ovenbird?

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 Ovenbird?

11-16 cm

What is Ovenbird's wingspan?

20-25 cm

How much does Ovenbird weigh?

0.018-0.028 kg

How long does Ovenbird live?

2-8 years

How fast can Ovenbird move?

45 km/h

What does Ovenbird eat?

Ovenbirds munch on tasty insects and tiny creatures they find on the forest floor.