Skip to main content

Northern Parula

Silhouette WarblersWarblers
Northern ParulaSetophaga americana
  • ORDER: Passeriformes
  • FAMILY: Parulidae

Basic Description

A small warbler of the upper canopy, the Northern Parula flutters at the edges of branches plucking insects. This bluish gray warbler with yellow highlights breeds in forests laden with Spanish moss or beard lichens, from Florida to the boreal forest, and it's sure to give you "warbler neck." It hops through branches bursting with a rising buzzy trill that pinches off at the end. Its white eye crescents, chestnut breast band, and yellow-green patch on the back set it apart from other warblers.

More ID Info
image of range map for Northern Parula
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
Explore Maps

Find This Bird

The key to finding a Northern Parula during the breeding season is to look for forests draped with long, wispy plants like Spanish moss and "old man's beard." Northern Parulas tend to stick to the canopy, which means you may end up with a bit of "warbler neck." Luckily during migration they also forage lower in the forest giving your neck a break. Parulas sing a lot during migration—so listen up for their distinctive buzzy trill.

Other Names

  • Parula Norteña (Spanish)
  • Paruline à collier (French)

Backyard Tips

Northern Parulas do not visit feeders, but you can provide habitat for them in your yard by landscaping with native trees and shrubs that will grow where you live. Creating a bird-friendly backyard for Northern Parulas, even if they don't breed in your area, may help them out during migration.

  • Cool Facts