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Canada Warbler

Silhouette WarblersWarblers
Canada WarblerCardellina canadensis
  • ORDER: Passeriformes
  • FAMILY: Parulidae

Basic Description

A colorful, energetic warbler of northern forests, the Canada Warbler spends little time on its breeding grounds. It is one of the last warblers to arrive north in the spring, and one of the first to leave in the fall to return to its South American wintering grounds. This steely gray and yellow songbird is sometimes called the "necklaced warbler" thanks to the bold black necklace that it wears across its chest. Look for them in mixed conifer and deciduous forests with a shrubby understory.

More ID Info
image of range map for Canada Warbler
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Find This Bird

Canada Warblers can be a little more difficult to find than other warblers due to their declining populations and northern breeding distribution, but they are not impossible to find. Look for a forest patch with a mossy understory filled with ferns, shrubs, and rhododendrons. Take some time to scan the understory for quick movements and listen for a sharp chip followed by a sweet warble. They tend to flick their wings and tail as they hop between branches, which might catch your eye. Their eyering and black necklace make them one of the easier warblers to ID. During migration, they flock with other birds including Wilson's Warblers, Tufted Titmice, American Redstarts, and other warblers. They also respond strongly to pishing or squeaking sounds, peeking out of dense vegetation or coming in closer.

Other Names

  • Reinita Canadiense (Spanish)
  • Paruline du Canada (French)
  • Cool Facts