Wood-Warblers

Magnolia Warbler, Dendroica magnolia

Family Parulidae (Wood-Warblers)

Size: 4.75"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Coniferous woodlands

The magnolia warbler is a relatively plump, boldly patterned warbler with a longish tail and a short bill. The plumage is medium gray above and bright yellow below and on the rump, with white undertail coverts. The breeding male has a broad black stripe through the face and onto the mantle, and thick, black streaking on the breast and flanks. It also has a white patch at the wing coverts and behind the eye. The nonbreeding male has an all-gray upper head with less-extensive black on the back and breast. Females are somewhat intermediate between breeding and nonbreeding males. Magnolia warblers remain in the cover of vegetation, foraging for insects, and their song is a melody of short, cheery weet or weet-chee phrases. The breeding male (bottom) and nonbreeding male (top) are illustrated.