Ovenbird Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  The Ovenbird is a chunky, larger-than-average warbler, but still smaller than a Song Sparrow. It has a round head, fairly thick bill for a warbler, and a jaunty tail often cocked upward.

  Relative Size

  Slightly larger than a Yellow Warbler; smaller than an Eastern Bluebird.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)
    • Weight: 0.6-1.0 oz (16-28 g)
    • Wingspan: 7.5-10.2 in (19-26 cm)

• Color Pattern

  Ovenbirds are olive-green above and spotted below, with bold black-and-orange crown stripes. A white eyering gives it a somewhat surprised expression. Like several other terrestrial, or near-terrestrial, warblers, Ovenbirds have pink legs.

• Behavior

  Ovenbirds spend much of their time foraging on the ground, often walking with a herky-jerky, wandering stroll that is unlike most terrestrial songbirds. Territorial males are very vocal and often sing from tree branches, occasionally quite high up. This is one of the few songbirds that habitually sings in the heat of midafternoon.

• Habitat

  Ovenbirds breed in closed-canopy forests, particularly deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous woods. You may find them in most forest types, from rich oak or maple woods to dry pine forest, although they avoid wet or swampy areas.