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Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapillus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: PARULIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Ovenbird Photo

© Michael J. Hopiak / CLO

A small, inconspicuous bird of the forest floor, the Ovenbird is one of the most characteristic birds of the eastern forests. Its loud song, "teacher, teacher, teacher," rings through the summer forest, but the bird itself is hard to see.

Read Cornell Lab of Ornithology's blog, Round Robin

Appearance

Warblers
Warblers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small songbird.
  • Olive brown back.
  • White underside with bold, dark streaked spots.
  • White eyering.
  • Orange crown bordered by black stripes.

Immature Description

Immature like adult, but less brightly colored.

Range Map Help

Ovenbird Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Northern and Louisiana waterthrushes similar, but have broad whitish eyestripes, are less round in shape, more dark brown on the back, lack the orange and black crown, and constantly bob their tails.
  • Thrushes have round spots, not streaks on their chests and lack the orange and black crown.