MAGNOLIA WARBLER GALLERY
(Setophaga magnolia)

eBird describes the Magnolia Warbler as follows:  Breeding males are striking with black mask, white eyebrow, gray crown, white wing patch, and yellow throat and breast with necklace of black streaks. In fall, their color pattern is more diffuse gray and yellow. Always look for tail pattern from below: basal half is white, tip is black. Forages for insects in forested areas. Travels in flocks with other warblers and songbirds in migration and winter. Winters in Central America.

On May 15, 2020, I saw my first Magnolia Warbler at Warbler Pond in the Warbler Woods Sanctuary.  Over the course of several hours, I saw several of these beautiful birds, and each was a delight!  Below are some of the photos I took that morning.

“Cool Facts” About the Magnolia Warbler from All About Birds…

• Though it has very specific habitat preferences in the breeding season, the Magnolia Warbler occupies a very broad range of habitats in winter: from sea level to 5,000 feet in cacao plantations, orchards, forests, and thickets.
• In 1810, Alexander Wilson collected a warbler from a magnolia tree in Mississippi, giving it the English name “Black-and-yellow Warbler” and “magnolia” for the scientific species name, which became the common name over time.
• The male Magnolia Warbler has two songs. The first song, issued in courtship and around the nest, consists of three short phrases with an accented ending. The second song, possibly issued in territory defense against other males, is similar to the first but is sweeter and less accented.
• The oldest recorded Magnolia Warbler was a male and at least 8 years, 11 months old when he was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in Ontario. He had been banded in the same area