Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Black-throated Grey Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens), male
Black-throated Grey Warbler, Male

Black-throated Grey Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

The Black-throated Gray Warbler, scientifically known as Setophaga nigrescens, is a small passerine bird adorned with a striking combination of gray and white plumage, accented by distinct black markings. The male is particularly notable for its bold black throat, from which the species derives its name, and features black stripes on its head and streaks along its flanks. The female, while similar in pattern, presents a paler version with a white throat and less pronounced black markings.

Identification Tips

This warbler measures approximately 13 cm (5.1 inches) in length and weighs around 8.4 g (0.30 oz). It can be identified by its gray upperparts with black streaks and white underparts with black streaks on the flanks. The male has a black crown, throat, and eye stripes, with white patches on the chin and above the eye. The female has a more subdued head pattern with a white throat and dark gray cheeks. The species can be distinguished from similar warblers by its unique coloration and the small yellow spot between its eye and bill.

Habitat

The Black-throated Gray Warbler favors coniferous and mixed forests, as well as scrublands, particularly those populated with pinyon pines, junipers, sagebrush, and oaks. It is often found in areas with a brushy understory or in dry open oak forests and chaparral.

Distribution

Breeding from southwestern British Columbia to northern Baja California and eastward to New Mexico and southern Montana, this warbler winters primarily in Mexico. It has recently expanded into parts of Wyoming and Montana, likely due to climate-induced changes in vegetation.

Behaviour

This warbler is known for its approachability, allowing for close observation while it forages, often in mixed-species flocks. It feeds on insects, particularly caterpillars, which it gleans from low branches.

Song & Calls

The male's song consists of a series of buzzy notes, with earlier notes doubled and a distinctive high note towards the end. The bird also emits a sharp "tup" or "thick" call, similar to that of Townsend's Warbler but less musical, and a high "see" flight call.

Breeding

The nest, an open cup made of plant fibers and lined with feathers, is situated a few meters above the ground in a tree or shrub. The female lays 3 to 5 pinkish eggs with brown spots, and both parents are involved in feeding the young.

Similar Species

The Black-throated Gray Warbler can be confused with the Black-and-white and Blackpoll Warblers, but its unique plumage pattern sets it apart.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet consists primarily of insects, with a preference for caterpillars, which it forages from low branches.

Conservation Status

The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, as it is common within its range and does not appear to be significantly threatened by human activities.

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

Black-throated Grey Warblers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More New World Warblers

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
Patricia L
Very encouraging birding app
Easy to use, fun to see progress and encouraging to receive feedback from other users.
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
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.
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.