Seiurus aurocapilla
adult
The Ovenbird is a ground-dwelling wood warbler that looks a bit like a miniature thrush. The sexes are similar. Adults have mostly olive-brown upperparts and wings. The head is marked with a bold, black-bordered orange crown and a white eyering. The throat is white with a black malar stripe; the underparts are otherwise white with bold black spots and streaks on the breast and flanks. The legs are pinkish. Immatures are similar to adults but have two faint pale wingbars.
The Ovenbird is present as a breeding species mainly from May to August. At other times of year it is found in Central America, although small numbers do overwinter in Florida and the very south of Texas. It is easily overlooked when foraging in leaf litter for invertebrates. Its presence is often first detected by hearing its song.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 6 in (15 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates
HABITAT Deciduous and mixed forests
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor
VOICE Song is a whistled ke-Chee, ke-Chee, ke-Chee. Call is a sharp tsik
