Wood-Warblers

Bay-breasted Warbler, Dendroica castanea

Family Parulidae (Wood-Warblers)

Size: 5.5"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Open coniferous spruce or mixed woodlands

The bay-breasted warbler is a relatively large warbler that breeds in northern boreal forests and winters in tropical South America. Its body is compact with fairly long wingtips and a stout, thick-based bill. The breeding male is pale gray and black above, with prominent, white wing bars and white spots on the outer tail feathers. The belly and sides of the nape are creamy white, the crown, upper breast, and sides are chestnut brown (bay-colored), and the face has a black mask. Breeding females are similar but with less brown on a much paler, grayish face, and more muted brown on the breast and sides. Nonbreeding males are yellow green on the back and head and lack the brown breast. They prefer middle canopy foliage, usually among spruce trees, where they glean for insects, especially the spruce budworm. The voice is a series of high-pitched, loud see notes, often accelerating toward the end. The breeding male (bottom) and female (top) are illustrated.