Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

Swainson's warbler, scientifically known as Limnothlypis swainsonii, is a modestly plumaged, yet relatively large songbird within the New World warbler family. Adult individuals typically measure between 12.5 to 16 cm in length and weigh between 11 to 20.5 grams. They boast a wingspan that averages around 23 cm. Their upperparts are cloaked in an unassuming olive-brown, while their underparts are a pale yellow-white. A distinctive whitish eyebrow stripe graces the area above their eyes, and the crown of their head is adorned with a rusty brown hue. Unlike many of their warbler cousins, males and females are indistinguishable in their appearance.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify Swainson's warbler, look for the following key characteristics: a plain olive-brown back, pale yellow-white underparts, a whitish eyebrow stripe, and a rusty brown cap. Their larger size compared to other warblers may also aid in identification.

Habitat

These warblers favor the secluded flooded swamplands and canebrakes of the southeastern United States. Occasionally, they can be found in the rhododendron thickets of the southern Appalachian Mountains, demonstrating their adaptability to different dense understory environments.

Distribution

Swainson's warblers are a migratory species with a breeding range that spans the southeastern United States. During the winter months, some head southeast to the Greater Antilles, including the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, while others venture southwest to the Yucatán Peninsula region.

Behaviour

Swainson's warblers are known to begin their breeding activities around the age of 10 months. They are territorial during this time, with pairs forming and defending their chosen nesting area.

Breeding

The breeding process involves the construction of a fairly large and bulky nest, composed of moss, grass, and small leaves, strategically placed above ground in a tangle of tall reeds or vines. Females lay a clutch of three to five eggs, which are white and occasionally speckled with brown. Incubation is solely the female's responsibility and lasts approximately 14 days. Once hatched, the young warblers will fledge the nest after about 12 days. Pair bonds, once established, tend to be exclusive for at least the duration of the breeding season.

Conservation status

Swainson's warbler is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Swainson's Warblers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More New World Warblers

A photo of a Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus)

Golden-crowned Warbler

Basileuterus culicivorus
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😄
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.