Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 5.5 in
14 cm - Wingspan
- 8.3–9.1 in
21–23 cm - Weight
- 0.4–0.5 oz
12–13 g
Other Names
- Paruline rayée (French)
- Chipe gorra negra (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The song of the male Blackpoll Warbler is one of the highest-pitched of all birds.
- Part of the fall migratory route of the Blackpoll Warbler is over the Atlantic Ocean from the northeastern United States to Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles, or northern South America. This route averages 3,000 km (1,864 mi) over water, requiring a potentially nonstop flight of up to 88 hours. To accomplish this flight, the Blackpoll Warbler nearly doubles its body mass and takes advantage of a shift in prevailing wind direction to direct it to its destination.
Habitat
Forest
Breeds in boreal coniferous forest (primarily spruce) and woodland, mixed coniferous-deciduous second growth, tall shrubs, and alder thickets; in migration and winter found in a variety of forest, woodland, scrub and brushy habitats.
Food
Insects
Insects and spiders, fruit during migration.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 3–5 eggs
- Egg Description
- White, buff, or pale green with brown spots all over and purplish blotches around the larger end.
- Condition at Hatching
- Helpless.
Nest Description
Open cup of twigs and lichens, lined with grasses, fine plant fibers, and feathers. In small tree.
Nest Placement
Tree
Behavior
Foliage Gleaner
Prey usually gleaned from foliage or twigs.
Conservation
Least Concern
Common and widespread. Some declines have been noted, but more data are needed.
Credits
- Hunt, P. D., and B. C. Eliason. 1999. Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata). In The Birds of North America, No. 431 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.