Similar Species
Worm-eating Warbler
Adult
Worm-eating Warblers have bold head stripes while Swainson's Warblers have a solid rusty crown.
© J B | Macaulay LibraryOntario, May 12, 2016Similar Species
Northern Waterthrush
Adult
Northern Waterthrushes have a whiter eyebrow and a streakier breast than Swainson's Warbler. Breeding ranges do not overlap.
© Paul Tavares | Macaulay LibraryMatanzas, February 13, 2017Similar Species
Louisiana Waterthrush
Adult
Louisiana Waterthrushes have a whiter eyebrow and a streakier breast than Swainson's Warbler.
© Derek Rogers | Macaulay LibraryNew York, April 12, 2017Similar Species
Carolina Wren
Adult
Carolina Wrens are brighter chestnut than Swainson's Warblers with paler eyebrow and a barred tail that is often held up (something Swainson's Warblers don't do).
© Ryan Schain | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, November 20, 2010Similar Species
Ovenbird
Adult
Ovenbirds are larger than Swainson's Warblers with a spotted belly and a bold white eyering.
© Don Blecha | Macaulay LibraryIllinois, September 24, 2016Main Species
Swainson's Warbler
Adult
Large warbler with a heavy, straight bill. Brownish overall with a rusty cap and black eyeline. Sexes alike.
© Frank Lehman | Macaulay LibraryKentucky, July 07, 2016Adult
Sexes alike and no seasonal differences in plumage. Long and sharply pointed bill, rusty cap, and black eyeline are distinctive.
© Ian Davies | Macaulay LibraryCampeche, January 01, 2013Adult
Song is a series of loud, descending slurred whistles, ending in 4 or 5 jumbled notes. "So, so, so, so, sweet-to-hear."
© Benjamin Clock | Macaulay LibraryWest Virginia, May 29, 2013Adult
Somewhat stocky, primarily ground-dwelling warbler with a long, pale bill. Brownish overall with a rusty cap and black eyeline.
© Ian Davies | Macaulay LibraryTexas, November 08, 2015Adult
Often looks rather flat headed. Note long, pale bill, dark eyeline, and pale legs.
© Rex Stanford | Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 29, 2013Adult
Breeds in densely vegetated areas in the southern United States. From below, note unstreaked belly.
© jerry amerson | Macaulay LibraryGeorgia, May 14, 2016Adult
Very secretive bird, best located by its ringing song.
© Keith Eric Costley | Macaulay LibraryVirginia, April 22, 2016