KENTUCKY WARBLER GALLERY
(Geothlypis formosa)

eBird says the Kentucky Warbler is a shy warbler of deciduous forest with thick understory. Often found in swampy areas or near slow-moving streams. Bright yellow below with olive back. Telltale black mask set off by yellow spectacles and throat. All plumages show face pattern; adult males boldest with black crown, females and immatures duller with grayish or olive crown. In the breeding season, more often heard than seen. Song is a series of 4-8 loud, rich, rolling notes “preet, preet, preet, preet.” Can perch high when singing, otherwise stays near the ground.

I saw my first Kentucky Warbler at the Sabine Woods Sanctuary near Sabine Pass, Texas, on April 27, 2020.  I saw this bird while at the back drip.  I am not pleased with the quality of photos I was able to get, but it was the best I could do.  To see more about Sabine Woods and my trip there, see my blog post.  Hope someday to get some better photos of this beautiful bird, but, until then, I hope you enjoy these!

Some “Cool Facts About the Kentucky Warbler from All About Birds…

• Unlike most songbirds, a male Kentucky Warbler appears to sing only one song type. He will sing the same one throughout his life. Although counter-singing males do not match each other’s song types the way many bird species do, a male may match the pitch of a competitor’s song.
• The oldest recorded Kentucky Warbler was a female and at least 6 years, 11 months old when she was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in Maryland.