Chestnut-sided Warbler Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesChestnut-sided Warbler
Breeding male
Somewhat stocky and stout billed for a warbler. Often holds tail up above wings. Breeding males have a yellow crown, black mask, white cheeks, and chestnut sides.
© Keenan Yakola / Macaulay LibraryMaine, May 15, 2016Breeding female
Breeding females are paler than males with less streaking on the back. Note yellow crown and chestnut sides.
© Larry Therrien / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, May 18, 2016Breeding male
Sweet whistled song ends abruptly; often likened to saying "pleased-to-pleased-to-meet-you."
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 29, 2011Female/immature male
Often holds tail up above wings. Females/immature males have bright yellow-green crown and white eyering on a gray face. They have little to no chestnut on the flanks.
© Larry Therrien / Macaulay LibrarySan José, December 19, 2016Nonbreeding male
Stout-billed for a warbler. Nonbreeding males have chestnut sides, a yellow crown and back, and a pale face with a white eyering.
© Tim Lenz / Macaulay LibraryNew York, September 01, 2013Breeding male
Chestnut sides and yellow crown are distinctive. Extent of chestnut on the sides varies among individuals. Often holds tail up above wings.
© Ryan Schain / Macaulay LibraryVermont, May 23, 2017Breeding male
Breeds in scrubby woodlands, forest edges, and other thick, regrowing areas.
© Daniel Jauvin / Macaulay LibraryQuebec, May 24, 2017Habitat
Breeds in early successional deciduous woods. Uses a variety of forested and shrubby areas during migration.
© Andrew Elgin / Macaulay LibraryVirginia, May 07, 2017Similar SpeciesBay-breasted Warbler
Breeding male
Bay-breasted Warblers have rusty (not yellow) crown, a rusty (not white) throat, and a dark (not white) cheek.
© Keenan Yakola / Macaulay LibraryMaine, May 14, 2016Similar SpeciesBay-breasted Warbler
Nonbreeding female/immature male
Nonbreeding Bay-breasted Warblers lack the bold eyering seen on Chestnut-sided Warblers.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, December 27, 2015Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
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