Orange-crowned Warbler

The Orange-crowned Warbler, a member of the New World warbler family, is a small songbird with a rather unassuming appearance. Its upperparts are an olive-grey hue, while the underparts are tinged with yellow and exhibit faint streaking. The bill is thin and pointed. A subtle line graces each eye, accompanied by a faint, broken eye ring. The orange crown patch, a defining feature, is typically concealed and seldom seen.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Orange-crowned Warbler, note the absence of wing bars, underpart streaking, strong facial markings, or vivid colors. This species can be confused with the fall Tennessee Warbler or the Black-throated Blue Warbler, but it lacks the distinctive features of those relatives. Males are generally more colorful than females and immatures, and western birds exhibit a more pronounced yellow compared to their eastern counterparts.

Habitat

The preferred breeding habitat of the Orange-crowned Warbler consists of open, shrubby areas across Canada, Alaska, and the western United States.

Distribution

This warbler breeds from central Alaska to southern Canada and winters as far south as Guatemala. The western populations are more likely to be encountered than those in the eastern regions.

Behaviour

The Orange-crowned Warbler is an active forager, flitting from perch to perch in low shrubs, occasionally hovering to inspect potential food sources.

Song & Calls

The warbler's song is a trill that descends in both pitch and volume. Its call is a high-pitched "chip."

Breeding

The female constructs a small, open cup nest, well-hidden on the ground or low in shrubbery. Both parents are involved in feeding the young, with the nest hosting four to six eggs.

Diet and Feeding

This bird's diet is varied, including insects, berries, and nectar, which it actively seeks in low vegetation.

Conservation Status

The Orange-crowned Warbler is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population. However, it is one of the species affected by the decline of broadleaf forests in the Pacific Northwest.