A small black-and-yellow warbler with distinctive white "underwear" tail pattern. Named for the magnolia tree where the type specimen was collected.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The magnolia warbler is a member of the wood warbler family Parulidae.
Source: Wikipedia — Magnolia warbler Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Breeding male: black mask, yellow underparts with heavy black 'necklace' streaking, white wing patch, gray-and-black back. Underside of tail white with a broad black terminal band ('dipped in ink').
Similar species. The tail pattern (white base, black tip) is diagnostic in all plumages. Prairie and Kirtland's warblers also tail-wag but lack the tail-tip pattern.
Voice. A short, sweet 'weeta-weeta-WEET-eo'.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects (caterpillars primary), spiders, occasional berries on migration.
Behavior. An active forager at mid-levels in young conifers; frequently fans its tail to flash the distinctive black-and-white pattern.
§ Range
Eastern Canada in summer; winters Central America
§ Habitat
Boreal coniferous and mixed forests
§ Threats
Boreal forest loss, climate change, window strikes.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the magnolia warbler is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support boreal forest conservation. Use window decals during migration.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Magnolia warbler
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Setophaga magnolia
- IUCN Red List — search for Setophaga magnolia
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Setophaga magnolia
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
