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Kirtland's Warbler

Setophaga kirtlandii ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: PARULIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Near Threatened

A rare bird of the Michigan jack pine forests, the Kirtland's Warbler is dependant upon fire to provide the small trees and open areas that meet its rigid habitat requirements for nesting.

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Appearance

Warblers
Warblers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small songbird; large warbler.
  • Bluish gray face and back.
  • Yellow throat, chest, and belly.
  • Black stripes down sides.
  • White crescents above and below eyes.
  • Constantly pumps its tail.
  • Two white wingbars.

Immature Description

Similar to adult female, but duller, and with black spotting across chest.

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Field MarksHelp

  • Male
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    Kirtland's Warbler

    Male
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Osceola County, Michigan, June 2000
  • Female with nestlings
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    Kirtland's Warbler

    Female with nestlings
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Osceola County, Michigan, June 2000

Similar Species

  • Prairie Warbler also wags tail, but has yellow-green back and face.
  • Palm Warbler wags tail, but has dull greenish gray back, rufous cap, and yellow undertail.
  • Magnolia Warbler has large white areas in tail, bold wingbars, and a yellow rump.