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Kirtland's Warbler

Dendroica kirtlandii ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: PARULIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Near Threatened

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Kirtland

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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.

Come watch nesting birds at Nestcams.org

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.

Range Map Help

Kirtland
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Field MarksHelp

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