How to Recognize Six Warblers in Their Fall Feathers
Study the finer details of migrating warblers with our handy photo guide.
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In autumn, the airfillswith the groans of frustrated birders as they strain theirsensesto identify fall warbers.During spring migration, warblersannounce their presencewith their vibrant plumages and songs, but in autumn, that all changes.The bright, colorful feathers are replaced by dull brownas the birdsmolt into their non-breeding plumage. And because there's no reason to singfor a mate, they'remuch quieter, too.
As frustrating as IDing fall warblers can be, thereare some ways to make it easier for yourself.Colormay seem important, but certainmarkings and behaviors persist throughout the year. By familiarizing yourself withtheir finer characteristics, you'll have less trouble distinguishingnon-descript warblers.
To get you started, here's a short guide tosix species that can be difficult to tell apartin the fall. Hover over the dots on the photos to reveal the ID clues for each.
- Black streaking on the back
- Thin, bold, sharp wingbars
- Dark legs with pale orange-colored feet
During fall migration, Blackpoll Warblers follow an all-water route across the open ocean to reach their South American destinations. Look for them in the eastern United States, especially along the coast. Each year, afew lost birds make an appearanceon the Pacific shoreline, too. The species usually hits peak migration in late September and early October.
Bay-breastedWarbler
- Light streaking on the back
- Thick wingbars
- Some birds keep the reddish wash on the flanks from breeding season
- Dark colored legs and feet
Compared to other warblers, Bay-breasteds get a late start in fall,followinga relatively late arrival at their Canadianbreeding groundsin June. Their southward migration takes them through the eastern half of the country. Once they land insouthern states, theyfunnel into Central America, reaching Panama, Venezuela, and Colombia in November.
- White or yellow eye arcs
- Yellow undertail feathers
While some Orange-crowned Warblerswinter in the southern United States, many also head to Mexico for the colder months. Theydon't get much farther south than that, however.The birds are more common out West, where they stagger theirmigrations throughout the fall season. Sometimes they'll even tag along with flocks composed of other bird species.
Tennessee Warbler
- Pale “eye brow”
- Sharp, dark eye line
- White undertail feathers
Tennessee Warblers are early birds when it comes to migration, leaving their summer homes by mid-August.Mostfollow routes east of the Rockies, though a fewmay winter on the Pacific Coast. The speciesbarely spends any time in its namesake state.
Nashville Warbler
- Gray head with yellow throat and chest
- Slim overall build
- Usually found foraging in trees
These warblers migrate through both sides of the county, convergingin and around Mexico for the winter. Older birds prefer traveling inland, while first-year birds hug coastal routes, usually from late August untilOctober. This is another speciesthat eschews its supposed home state.
Connecticut Warbler
- Gray “hooded” appearance
- Stocky, heavy build
- Usually found foraging close to and on the ground
A true birding prize, the Connecticut Warbler is an Eastern specialty. Each autumn, it travelsdownthe Atlantic shoreline to Florida, its most southern stop in the United Statesbefore launching towardthe tropics. It's one of the earliestwarblers to migrate through in fall, andsome start as soon as mid-July. But be prepared to catch a few stragglers in early- andmid-October, too.