THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard

GoTo Page Twelve
Begin Page Thirteen
Family Parulidae

Golden-winged Warbler -- Vermivora chrysoptera
An extremely rare spring and fall migrant in eastern counties, with vagrants reaching Logan and Keith counties. It is considered a rare migrant in South Dakota, but is common in North Dakota. There are a few sight records for eastern Colorado. The only known area of breeding in the region is in northern Minnesota.

Migration: Eight spring sightings range from May 5 to May 25, with a mean of May 15. There are fall records for September 6 and 7.

Habitats: Migrating and breeding birds are usually found in second growth woodlands or scrubby thickets, and overgrown pastures.

Comments: Males of this well-named species have large golden wing-covetrs, and also a golden crown.


Blue-winged Warbler -- Vermivora pinus
A rare spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska. Originally believed to be a summer resident in south-central Nebraska, but this appears to be erroneous. It has been observed several times in Custer County, and as far west as Cherry County. It is considered a casual migrant in South Dakota, and is accidental in North Dakota. The only known area of breeding in the region is in eastern Oklahoma.

Migration: Twenty-two spring sightings range from August 25 to June 1, with a median of May 12. Half of the records fall within the period May 5-14. There are four fall sightings from July 6 to September 16, with a mean of August 15.

Habitats: Migrating and breeding birds are usually found in woodland edges, abandoned fields, pastures and tickets, often in slightly wetter habitats than the golden-winged warbler.

Comments: Although none have been reported in Nebraska, hybrids between the blue-winged and golden-winged warblers are not rare, and two of the typical hybrid variants have been named as distinct species.


Tennessee Warbler -- Vermivora peregrina
A common spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming uncommon in western parts of the state. Breeding occurs in northern Minnesota, and migrants may appear throughout the entire region.

Migration: Ninety-five initial spring sightings range from April 1 to June 4, with a median of May 8. Half of the records fall within the period May 4-14. Forty-seven final spring sightings are from April 30 to June 9, with a median of May 23. Thirty-one initial fall sightings are from August 19 to October 22, with a median of September 8. Half of the records fall within the period August 28-September 15. Twenty-seven final fall sightings range from September 9 to October 27, with a median of October 5.

Habitats: Migrants are associated with deciduous woodlands and forests, usually foraging in the upper portions of rather tall trees.

Comments: This is one of the very common warblers in Nebraska, arriving a few days later on average than the yellow-rumped, and foraging in similar locations, such as around budding trees or emerging catkins.


Orange-crowned Warbler -- Vermivora celata
A common spring and fall migrant throughout Nebraska. The species is also a migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 112 initial spring sightings is from April 8 to May 30, with a median of April 30. Half of the records fall within the period April 25-May 5. Seventy-four final spring sightings are from April 25 to May 30, with a median of May 13. Sixty-one initial fall sightings are from August 11 to October 12, with a median of September 19. Half of the records fall within the period September 14-28. Sixty final fall sightings are from September 11 to November 6, with a median of October 15.

Habitats: Migrants are associated with deciduous forests, woodlands and brushy thickets. They also forage in stands of tall sunflowers and ragweeds and shrubs, often fairly close to the ground.
Comments, Orange-crowned warblers are notable in that they are almost devoid of field marks; like Sherlock Holmes' dog that didn't bark, they can be identified by the fieldmarks that are lacking. The so-called orange crown is scarcely visible even when the bird is being handled, and is certainly not normally visible under field conditions.


Nashville Warbler -- Vermivora ruficapilla
A common spring and fall migrant almost statewide, but perhaps becoming less common westwardly. Originally believed to nest in the Missouri Valley area (reportedly seen in Otoe and Webster counties), this now seems to be a questionable assumption. Breeding does occur in northern Minnesota, and migrants appear almost throughout the region, becoming quite rare in western areas.

Migration: Eighty-one initial spring sightings range from March 29 to June 3, with a median of May 7. Half of the records fall within the period May 1-13. Thirty-four final spring sightings are from April 30 to June 2, with a median of May 14. Forty-one initial fall sightings are from July 28 to September 27, with a median of September 10. Half of the records fall within the period September 3-15. Forty final fall sightings are from September 13 to October 30, with a median of October 8.

Habitats: Migrants are associated with second-growth woodlands having a brushy undercover. Foraging occurs in tall weeds as well as shrubs and low trees.

Comments: This is a rather dull-plumaged warbler, whose favored nesting habitat of spruce bogs is lacking in Nebraska.


Virginia's Warbler -- Vermivora virginiae
Accidental . In addition to an early sight record from Hitchcock County, the species was observed by several persons during April of 1964 in North Platte, Lincoln County (Nebraska Bird Review 32:67). Also observed in Scotts Bluff County on May 22, 1995 (Nebraska Bird Review 64:136). It is an uncommon migrant in western Kansas and extreme northwestern Oklahoma, and breeds in Colorado.


Northern Parula -- Parula americana
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, and a possible uncommon summer resident in the immediate Missouri Valley area near Omaha. Considered a local summer resident in Sarpy County; this species has consistently been observed during summer months in Fontenelle Forest, and an adult was once seen carrying food. Rosche (1994) also reported a possible but distinctly extralimital breeding in the Pine Ridge region, and migrants occur west to Garden and Sheridan counties. Breeds in northern Minnesota and eastern Kansas and Oklahoma.

Migration: Thirty-four spring sightings are from April 2 to May 27, with a median of May 5. Half of the records fall within the period April 20-May 14. Nine fall records are from August 24 to October 2, with a mean of September 12.

Habitats: During summer this species is restricted to swampy woods, especially those rich in Spanish moss or Usnea lichens. On migration they also occur in parks, orchards, and along roadsides.

Comments: Although typical breeding habitat is lacking in Nebraska, this warbler is easily identified and its regular summer occurrence at Fontenelle Forest deserves further study to verify its breeding status. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Yellow Warbler -- Dendroica petechia
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide. The species occurs throughout the entire Plains States region as a breeder or migrant. In westerly areas it is limited to rivers or moist wooded areas.

Migration: The range of 126 initial spring sightings is from March 20 to May 30, with a median of May 7. Half of the records fall within the period May 1-11. The range of 120 final fall sightings is from July 23 to November 6, with a median of September 3. Half of the records fall within the period August 21-September 16.

Habitats: During the breeding season these birds prefer rather wet habitats, such as brushy edges of swamps, marshes or creeks, but they also nest commonly in roadside thickets, hedgerows, orchards, and forest edges, avoiding both heavy forests and grassy environments lacking both trees and shrubs.

Comments: Perhaps the commonest of our nesting arboreal warblers, the yellow warbler's song, "Sweet, sweet sweet, I am sweet" permeates our summer woodlands, and its flash of golden color confirms its identification. It is often parasitized by brown-headed cowbirds and, unable to expel the cowbird's large eggs, simply adds a new nest lining over its old clutch and starts over. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Chestnut-sided Warbler -- Dendroica pensylvanica
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly, but observed as far west as Dawes and Scotts Bluff County. It has bred at least twice in the state, including a 1975 nesting in Scotts Bluff county and a 1894 record for the vicinity of Omaha (Nebraska Bird Review 44:10). It breeds in North Dakota and Minnesota, and is a migrant through the Plains States region except for the westernmost areas.

Migration: Sixty-one initial spring sightings are from April 25 to June 4, with a median of May 15. Half of the records fall within the period May 12-19. Nineteen final spring sightings are from May 6 to June 4, with a median of May 23. Six initial fall sightings are from August 17 to September 19, with a mean of September 2. Seven final fall sightings are from September 1 to October 16, with a mean of September 26.

Habitats: Migrants are usually found in thickets along woodland edges, and when breeding the species occurs in low shrubbery, briar thickets, forest clearings or edges, overgrown pastures, and similar low-stature habitat.

Comments: This species is rather puzzling, since it should nest in the state, but there are only two records, and they are situated at opposite ends of Nebraska. There are no nesting records for South Dakota, so perhaps these two records are simply flukes.


Magnolia Warbler -- Dendroica magnolia
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly. Breeding occurs in northern Minnesota, and migrants appear nearly throughout the Plains States region, becoming quite rare in western areas.

Migration: The range of 121 initial spring sightings is from April 20 to June 4, with a median of May 15. Half of the records fall within the period May 10-19. Fifteen final spring sightings are from May 14 to June 4, with a median of May 19. Thirteen initial fall sightings range from August 25 to October 5, with a median of September 9. Twelve final fall sightings are from September 9 to October 24, with a median of October 1.

Habitats: Migrant birds are associated with a wide array of deciduous and coniferous habitats, but they are often in rather thick woods, foraging 20-30 feet above ground.

Comments: This is only one of the many attractive spring migrants that are seen all too rarely, usually during the middle part of May. The birds resemble yellow-rumped warblers, but have gray crowns and yellow underparts.


Cape May Warbler -- Dendroica tigrina
An uncommon to occasional spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, rarely observed west to Buffalo, Webster and Hall Counties. Breeding occurs in northern Minnesota, and migrants are most common east of the Missouri River.

Migration: Fourteen spring records range from April 29 to May 24, with a median of May 12. Five fall records range from September 28 to October 4, with a mean of September 30.

Habitats: Migrating birds occupy a variety of habitats, ranging from coniferous or deciduous forests to parks and suburban gardens.

Comments: Another beautiful warbler that visits Nebraska in mid-May, the male Cape May has a chestnut ear-patch and both sexes have heavily striped underparts.


Black-throated Blue Warbler -- Dendroica caerulescens
A rare spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, observed in at least 11 counties west as far as Garden and Scotts Bluff counties, as well as in Colorado. It has been seen three or more times in Douglas-Sarpy, Lancaster, Adams, and McPherson counties. Breeding occurs in northern Minnesota, and migrants are most common in the eastern half of the region.

Migration: Nine spring records range from April 23 to May 24, with a mean of May 10. Twenty-seven fall records range from August 5 to October 20, with a median of September 23. Half of the records fall within the period September 19-October 5. The species is apparently more common in fall than during spring.

Habitats: While on migration this species tends to occur in low shrubby areas, such as woodlands, parks, and residential gardens.

Comments: Males of this stunning warbler are dark indigo blue above and contrastingly white below, except for a black throat and upper chest. Like many of the most attractive warblers, it is present in the state for only a few weeks.


Yellow-rumped Warbler -- Dendroica coronata
A common to abundant spring and fall migrant statewide, and a summer resident in the Pine Ridge area, including at least Sioux and probably also Dawes counties. Breeding also occurs in Black Hills and northern Minnesota, and migrants occur throughout entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 75 initial spring sightings is from February 14 to May 24, with a median of April 23. Half of the records fall within the period April 12-29. Fifty-three final spring sightings are from April 27 to May 29, with a median of May 14. Eighty initial fall sightings are from August 10 to November 1, with a median of September 28. Half of the records fall within the period September 20-October 3. Seventy-seven final fall sightings are from September 10 to December 18, with a median of October 22.

Habitats: The species is widespread in wooded habitats during migration, arriving well before the leaves appear, and often wintering as far north as southern Oklahoma where it forages on juniper berries. Breeding birds occupy coniferous forests, usually nesting in scattered trees, open plantings or streamside thickets rather than dense, mature forests.

Comments: This species is usually the first warbler to return to Nebraska in spring, usually arriving just as the first hardwood trees are leafing out., and during the fall sometimes persisting until late December. In the eastern part of the state most birds are of the white-throated "Myrtle" type, whereas in the Panhandle the majority are of the yellow-throated "Audubon's" race.


Townsend's Warbler -- Dendroica townsendi
An extremely rare vagrant, with nine spring and six fall records . It was initially collected in 1911 in Dawes County, but during the 1970s was observed in numerous locations, including at least seven counties. It is a fairly regular migrant in Colorado. It has also been reported in South Dakota, Kansas and Oklahoma, but is accidental in Iowa.

Migration: Six spring records date from April 25 to May 17, with a mean of May 7. Six fall sightings are from August 30 to September 17, with a mean of September 9.

Habitats: Often associated with low oak, juniper or pine woodlands on migration, but found in tall coniferous forests during the breeding season.


Black-throated Green Warbler -- Dendroica virens
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, rarely reported as far west as Lincoln and McPherson counties, but has straggled to Colorado. It breeds in northern Minnesota, and migrants occur in the eastern half of the region.

Migration: Fifty-four initial spring sightings range from April 18 to June 4, with a median of May 9. Half of the records fall within the period May 3-15. Six final spring sightings are from May 9 t May 24, with a mean of May 16. Sixteen initial fall sightings are from August 30 to October 2, with a median of September 18. Sixteen final fall sightings are from September 12 to October 21, with a median of October 5.

Habitats: Associated with a wide variety of deciduous or coniferous woodlands on migration, but most often seen in second growth forest, especially in willows and elms.

Comments: This warbler is not particularly "green," but is instead olive-green above, with a mostly golden face and a black throat and upper breast.


Blackburnian Warbler -- Dendroica fusca
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rare to the west. It has been reported as far west as Dawes and Scotts Bluff counties. Breeding occurs in northern Minnesota, and migrants are regular in the eastern half of the region.

Migration: Seventy-six initial spring sightings range from April 5 to June 4, with a median of May 14. Half of the records fall within the period May 10-20. Sixteen final spring sightings are from May 8 to June 8, with a median of May 17. Ten initial fall sightings range from August 20 to September 30, with a median of September 3. Ten final fall sightings are from September 1 to October 9, with a median of October 3.

Habitats: Migrating birds are usually found in tall trees, foraging near their tops, and in either hardwood or coniferous forests.

Comments: Probably most people remember vividly the first Blackburnian warbler of their life; the male's intense golden-orange throat and its black-and-gold facial markings makes it a sight to remember with fondness.


Yellow-throated Warbler -- Dendroica dominica
A rare to occasional migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming very rare westwardly. A very local breeding population may be present in Fontenelle Forest (Nebraska Bird Review 62:113). It has been observed west to Scotts Bluff and Sheridan counties, and has been seen several times in Lincoln, Adams, and Thayer counties. It normally breeds from extreme southeastern Kansas southward through Oklahoma. It is accidental in eastern South Dakota and eastern Colorado.

Migration: Twenty-one spring sightings range from April 11 to May 28, with a median of May 8. Half of the records fall within the period May 3-15. Four fall records range from July 14 to October 1, with a mean of September 10.

Habitats: This species is normally associated with rather swampy forests, especially those rich in Spanish mosses. Farther north it occurs in streamside sycamore forests, usually foraging high in the trees.

Comments: Like the northern parula and prothonotary warblers, nesting of this species evidently occurs in an isolated population at Fontenelle Forest. Actual proof of nesting remains to be obtained, however.


Pine Warbler -- Dendroica pinus
An extremely rare migrant or vagrant in eastern Nebraska, with records from no farther west than Antelope County. A straggler has also been taken in Colorado. Most of the Nebraska records are for Lancaster County. Except for Oklahoma, where it breeds, it is rare to accidental throughout the Plains States.

Migration: Ten spring sightings range from April 17 to May 27, with a median of May 13. Four fall records are from September 7 to September 22, with a mean of September 13.

Habitats: Migrants are associated with a wide variety of forests, especially pine forests, but also utilize deciduous forests and orchards. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Prairie Warbler -- Dendroica discolor
An extremely rare vagrant in eastern Nebraska. There are two questionable early records of breeding in Richardson and Dakota counties. The species has been reported from as far west as McPherson County, and has also been sighted in Buffalo and Adams counties in south-central Nebraska. There were 13 state records as of 1996 (Nebraska Bird Review 64:61), and two during 1996 (Brogie, 1997). It is accidental in South Dakota and unreported for North Dakota, but is a summer resident in eastern Kansas and Oklahoma.

Migration: Eight spring records are from April 21 to June 1, with a mean of May 10. The only fall record is for September 23.

Habitats: The species is generally associated with old pastures, hillsides with scattered woody vegetation, and similar shrubby or woodland habitats, but not true prairie.


Palm Warbler -- Dendroica palmarum
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rare westwardly. It has been reported from as far west as Dawes County. Breeding occurs in northern Minnesota, and migrants are mostly found east of the Missouri River.

Migration: Sixty-three initial spring sightings range from April 16 to June 2, with a median of May 5. Half of the records fall within the period May 1-9. Ten final spring sightings are from April 19 to May 24, with a median of May 9. Ten fall records range from September 2 to November 10, with a median of October 5. Half of the records fall within the period October 1-6.

Habitats: Generally associated with brushy fields, open wooded areas, or wooded edges or clearings in woods, where the birds can forage on the ground.

Comments: Palm warblers probably never are found in palm trees except on their subtropical or tropical wintering grounds; They are prone to wagging their tails are they forage, often at ground level.


Bay-breasted Warbler -- Dendroica castanea
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly, but observed as far west as Scotts Bluff County. It has also wandered several times to Colorado. Breeding occurs in northern Minnesota, and migrants occur through the eastern half of the region.

Migration: Forty-one initial spring sightings range from April 29 to May 27, with a median of May 17. Half of the records fall within the period May 11-19. Eleven final spring sightings are from May 12 to May 28, with a median of May 19. Seven initial fall sightings are from September 4 to September 20, with a mean of September 14. Seven final fall sightings are from September 17 to October 14, with a mean of September 22.

Habitats: During migration this species occurs in diverse coniferous and deciduous forest types, favoring conifers, but is also found around residential plantings and shrubbery, usually foraging well above the ground.

Comments: The chestnut or bay-colored breast-and flank markings of males in this species are its best fieldmarks, and both sexes also have yellowish patches behind the darker ears.


Black-throated Gray Warbler -- Dendroica nigrescens
An extremely rare vagrant . It has been observed during May and August in Lancaster, Adams, Scotts Bluff, Cherry, Garden, and McPherson counties. The nearest area of breeding is in southern Colorado, but strays to Kansas rarely.

Habitats: Normally associated with dry slopes, thickets and oak or pine woodlands on migration.


(Hermit Warbler) -- Dendroica occidentalis
Hypothetical . There is a sight record for McPherson County in September of 1973 (Nebraska Bird Review 42:42). There is a single specimen record for Kansas, but it is otherwise unreported from the Plains States.


Blackpoll Warbler -- Dendroica striata
A common spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming uncommon to rare in western parts of the state. Migrants occur through most of the Plains States region, mostly in the eastern half. Breeding does not occur south of Canada.

Migration: The range of 120 initial spring sightings is from April 9 to June 2, with a median of May 12. Half of the records fall within the period May 8-18. Forty-seven final spring sightings are from May 1 to May 30, with a median of May 20. Seven initial fall sightings are from August 28 to September 22, with a mean of September 9. Seven final fall sightings are from September 1 to October 21, with a mean of September 26.

Habitats: During migration this species is usually found in tall deciduous trees such as cottonwoods, and generally occurs in streamside forests.

Comments: Blackpoll warblers are one of the two warbler species that are essentially all black and white in plumage; the rather similar black-and-white warbler has darker cheeks and a white stripe above the eyes.


Cerulean Warbler -- Dendroica cerulea
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, and a rare or local summer resident along the Missouri River in southeastern Nebraska. It has regularly nested at Fontenelle Forest, Sarpy County (Nebraska Bird Review 46:86) and has also nested in Dakota County. Vagrants have been reported as far west as Keith and Sheridan counties. Breeding also occurs in eastern parts of Kansas and Oklahoma.

Migration: Thirty-eight initial spring sightings range from April 26 to June 10, with a median of May 14. Half of the records fall within the period May 5-18. Eight fall sightings range from July 21 to September 3, with a mean of August 15.

Habitats: During the summer this species occurs in moist deciduous bottomland forests, as well as mature upland woods. Rather open forests, with large trees and rather sparse undergrowth, seem to be preferred breeding habitats.

Comments: Males of the well-named cerulean warbler have a deep blue back color much like that of the black-throated blue warbler, but the cerulean has a white throat.


Black-and-white Warbler -- Mniotilta varia
A common spring and fall migrant statewide, and a local and uncommon summer resident in the forested valleys of the Missouri and Niobrara rivers, probably reaching Cherry County in the Niobrara Valley, and also nesting in the Pine Ridge. Breeding occurs locally from North Dakota southward to eastern Oklahoma, and migrants occur throughout the Plains States region.

Migration: Ninety-two initial spring sightings range from March 25 to June 10, with a median of May 4. Half of the records fall within the period April 25-May 9. Forty final fall sightings are from August 21 to October 6, with a median of September 12. Half of the records fall within the period September 4-20.

Habitats: On migration this species occurs in deciduous woodlands along rivers and streams, and in parks and residential areas. Nesting usually is in semiopen upland stands of deciduous or coniferous forest, especially those having immature or scrubby trees and in hillside or ravine groves with thin understories. Foraging is done in a creeper-like fashion on the trunk and larger branches.

Comments: The simple but attractive black and white plumage pattern of this species proves that bright coloration is not necessary to produce beauty among the warblers. The high-pitched song of this species consists of a series of "we-see" notes.


American Redstart -- Setophaga ruticilla
A common spring and fall migrant throughout Nebraska, and a common summer resident in eastern counties, with breeding throughout the Missouri's forested valley, the Pine Ridge, probably the entire Niobrara Valley, perhaps locally in the Sandhills (Bessey Division of Nebraska National Forest), and sporadically in the Platte Valley west to Adams or perhaps Phelps counties. Breeding is widespread in the eastern portions of the region, west to the Black Hills and Montana border.

Migration: The range of 131 initial spring sightings is from April 10 to June 3, with a median of May 12. Half of the reports fall within the period May 7-16. Ninety final fall sightings range from August 11 to October 19, with a median of September 10. Half of the records fall within the period September 3-17.

Habitats: Breeding usually occurs in moist bottomland woods, usually deciduous and especially young or second-growth stands, and near the margins of openings in mature forests.

Comments: Probably the breeding range of this species in Nebraska is slowly expanding, as riparian forests along the Platte and other rivers gradually mature. Redstarts resembles little flaming candles as they flit about high in tree canopies; their variable song is louder than those of most other brilliantly colored species. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Prothonotary Warbler -- Protonotaria citrea
An uncommon or occasional spring and fall migrant in southeastern Nebraska, and a local summer resident as far north as Sarpy County (Nebraska Bird Review 47:57). Vagrant birds sometimes appear farther west in the state, rarely to Dawes County. Breeding also occurs in eastern Kansas and the eastern half of Oklahoma, and it may have nested in South Dakota.

Migration: Thirty-six initial spring sightings range from April 19 to May 24, with a median of May 12. Half of the records fall within the period May 5-17. Four final fall sightings range from July 26 to October 4, with a mean of September 11.

Habitats: This species is restricted during summer to moist bottomland forests and wooded swamps or periodically flooded woodlands, in the vicinity of running water or pools. During migration vagrant birds may appear in other wooded areas.

Comments: This is another species that occurs locally in the mature riparian forests of Fontenelle Forest and evidently nests there. There is also an early breeding record for Otoe County. More information on this species would be most welcome.


Worm-eating Warbler -- Helmitheros vermivorus
An extremely rare migrant or vagrant, mostly in eastern counties. Originally believed to be a summer resident in southern Nebraska, this now seems an unproved assumption. It has been most often reported in Lancaster and Douglas-Sarpy counties, but has been reported west as far as Box Butte County. The species nests in Oklahoma, is a rare migrant in Kansas and has been observed several times in South Dakota. It has also wandered west to Colorado at least eight times.

Migration: The range of 17 spring sightings is from April 21 to May 25, with a median of May 8. Half of the records fall within the period May 4-13. Three fall records are from September 3 to October 8, with a mean of September 15.

Habitats: Normally this species is associated with dense river-bottom woodlands, or second-growth medium-sized woodlands on hillsides, having a shrubby undercover.

Comments: This is a ground-foraging warbler of dense undergrowth, and so is only rarely reported in the state.


Swainson's Warbler -- Limnothlypis swainsonii
Accidental . There is an early specimen record for Buffalo County of April of 1905, and the species was also reported in Lancaster County in May of 1977 (Nebraska Bird Review 45:46). The species breeds in Oklahoma, is a rare migrant in Kansas, and is unreported for the Dakotas.


Ovenbird -- Seiurus aurocapillus
An uncommon to common spring and fall migrant statewide, and a locally common summer resident, mainly in the Missouri's forested valley, the Niobrara Valley west at least to Cherry County, and the Pine Ridge area. Breeding occurs widely in eastern and northern parts of the region, and migrants appear throughout the region.

Migration: The range of 140 initial spring sightings is from April 21 to June 2, with a median of May 13. Half of the records fall within the period May 7-18. Forty final fall records are from July 25 to October 11, with a median of September 11. Half of the records fall within the period September 3-18.

Habitats: In the summer these birds are mostly limited to well-drained bottomland deciduous forests, and to mature and shaded upland forests.

Comments: The loud, "teacher, teacher, teacher" song of this woodland warbler is a sure sign of its presence. The song rises in volume, unlike the repeated "Peter" notes of the tufted titmouse. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Northern Waterthrush -- Seiurus noveboracensis
An uncommon spring and fall migrant statewide, perhaps becoming rarer westwardly, and considerably less common that the ovenbird. Breeding occurs in Minnesota and northern North Dakota, and migrants may appear anywhere in the Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 135 initial spring sightings is from April 10 to May 27, with a median of May 7. Half of the records fall within the period May 2 to 11. Twenty-six final spring sightings are from May 3 to May 21, with a median of May 14. Eight initial fall sightings are from August 10 to September 10, with a mean of August 29. Seven final fall sightings range from September 9 to October 12, with a mean of September 22.

Habitats: While in Nebraska this species is associated with deciduous forests or woodlands near streams; the birds often foraging on or near the ground.

Comments: The song of this species somewhat resembles the loud song of the ovenbird, but does not rise in pitch and volume, but rather drops toward the end. Like the ovenbird, waterthrushes feed on the ground, often in damp locations.


Louisiana Waterthrush -- Seiurus motacilla
A rare to uncommon spring and fall migrant in southeastern Nebraska, becoming rarer to the west and north, and reported from as far west as Lincoln and Garden counties. Reported by Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk (1904) to be a summer resident in some southeastern areas of Nebraska, and breeding has recently been suggested for Fontenelle Forest, Neale Woods and Platte River State Park (Loren Padelford, pers. comm). Singing birds have been reported north to Dakota County. Breeding is regular in eastern Kansas and the eastern half of Oklahoma.

Migration: Seventy-six initial spring sightings range from March 30 to May 29, with a median of May 8. Half of the records fall within the period May 2-14. Ten final spring sightings are from April 29 to May 29, with a median of May 15. Ten fall sightings are from July 29 to September 24, with a median of August 29.

Habitats: This species is closely associated with forested hills and ravines near fairly swift streams, the birds foraging in moist areas.

Comments: This waterthrush may be expanding its range in eastern Nebraska; at least it is being reported during summer more frequently in recent years.


Kentucky Warbler -- Oporornis formosus
A rare to uncommon spring and fall migrant in southeastern Nebraska, and a summer resident in the lower part of the Missouri's forested valley, north to at least Sarpy County. It is considered a casual visitor in South Dakota, and is unreported in North Dakota. It breeds in eastern Kansas and the eastern half of Oklahoma.

Migration: Forty-six initial spring sightings range from April 30 to June 2, with a median of May 10. Half of the records fall within the period May 5-14. Twelve fall records range from July 21 to October 7, with a median of August 29.

Habitats: During the breeding season this species is found in shrubby moist ravines and bottomlands.

Comments: This very attractive warbler is very dark above and bright yellow below, with yellow eyebrows and a dark ear-patch. It has a surprisingly loud, wren-like song. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Connecticut Warbler -- Oporornis agilis
An uncommon or occasional spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, rarely occurring as far west as Cherry, Lincoln, and McPherson counties. Stragglers have been reported in Colorado. In contrast to the situation in South Dakota, there are more fall than spring records, and the species' exact status in Nebraska is quite unclear. Migrants in the Plains States are common east of the Missouri River.

Migration: Twenty spring records range from April 25 to June 6, with a median of May 18. Half of the records fall within the period May 10-19. Ten initial fall sightings are from September 1 to October 11, with a median of September 30. This is one of the few warblers that seems to be more common in fall than during spring.

Habitats: Generally associated with low woodlands having brushy tangles, the birds foraging on or near the ground.

Comments: One of several gray-headed and yellow-bellied warblers in Nebraska, this species has a conspicuous white eye-ring in both sexes.


Mourning Warbler -- Oporornis philadelphia
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly, but reported west to Lincoln, Sheridan and Scotts Bluff counties. Reportedly formerly bred in southeastern Nebraska (Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk, 1904), but there is no current evidence of breeding in the state. Breeding does occur in Minnesota and North Dakota, and migrants appear widely throughout the region.

Migration: Eighty-seven initial spring sightings range from March 20 to May 30, with a median of May 19. Half of the records fall within the period May 15-23. Nineteen final spring sightings are from May 18 to June 10, with a median of May 28. Eighteen initial fall sightings are from September 1 to October 20, with a median of September 8. Eighteen final fall sightings are from September 26 to October 24, with a median of October 7.

Habitats: Breeding birds are usually found in dense undergrowth along streams, but during migration the birds often inhabit various thickets and tall weedy areas, usually foraging rather close to the ground.

Comments: The mourning warbler closely resembles the Connecticut warbler, but lacks white around the eyes. It tends to hop while foraging on the ground, whereas Connecticut warblers instead walk.


MacGillivray's Warbler -- Oporornis tolmiei
A rare spring and fall migrant in western Nebraska, with most records from the Panhandle, but at least five each for McPherson and Adams counties, and reported from as far east as Platte and Lancaster counties. Breeding occurs in the Black Hills, so migration through the Panhandle should be regular. The species is known to migrate through eastern Colorado.

Migration: Twenty-eight spring sightings range from May 5 to June 2, with a median of May 15. Half of the records fall within the period May 10-17. Thirteen fall records range from August 21 to October 10, with a median of September 6. Half of the records fall within the period August 29-September 16.

Habitats: This species is usually associated with dense undergrowth near streams, but migrants also are found on hillside brush and in dense stands of weeds such as thistle and sunflowers.

Comments: In contrast to the two preceding gray-headed and yellow-bellied warblers, the McGillivray's warbler has an incomplete eye-ring that is developed only above and below each eye.


Common Yellowthroat -- Geothlypis trichas
A common to abundant spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide. It also breeds or migrates throughout the Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 107 initial spring sightings is from April 5 to June 10, with a median of May 7. Half of the records fall within the period May 2-13. The range of 114 final fall sightings is from July 20 to October 29, with a median of September 13. Half of the records fall within the period August 30-October 3.

Habitats: While in Nebraska this species is found near moist or aquatic sites, especially the tall grasses, emergent vegetation, and shrubs or trees along shorelines. Occasionally it also extends to upland shrub thickets, retired croplands, weedy residential areas, and overgrown orchards.

Comments: This is another favorite for students taking ornithology field quizzes; its repeated "whichity" notes emanate from weedy or shrubby thickets and reveal the species' identity long before the bird itself is generally seen. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Hooded Warbler -- Wilsonia citrina
A rare spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, reported west to Cherry and Dawes counties. The largest number of sightings are from the Douglas-Sarpy counties, but it has also been observed more than once in several other eastern counties, especially Lancaster and Adams. It is considered a casual migrant in South Dakota, and is accidental in North Dakota. Vagrants have reached eastern Colorado. Regular breeding is limited to eastern Oklahoma and perhaps eastern Kansas.

Migration: Twenty-four spring sightings range from April 21 to May 27, with a median of May 11. Half of the records fall within the period May 7-15. Five fall records are from August 7 to September 12, with a mean of August 20.

Habitats: Although breeding birds are associated with moist, mature forests having considerable undergrowth, or wooded swamps, migrants are sometimes found in planted woodlands, city parks, and sometimes residential areas.

Comments: This is a stunning warbler, the males having a black "executioner's" hood over their head and neck, except for a golden opening that extends back across the forehead and past the eyes to the ears. It is usually seen at ground level in wet locations.


Wilson's Warbler -- Wilsonia pusilla
A common spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming uncommon in the western half of the state. Elsewhere, the species is a regular migrant throughout the Plains States.

Migration: The range of 101 initial spring sightings is from April 14 to June 4, with a median of May 12. Half of the records fall within the period May 5-16. Thirty-six final spring sightings range from April 28 to May 30, with a median of May 19. Sixty-nine initial fall sightings range from August 9 to September 26, with a median of September 1. Half of the records fall within the period August 26-September 7. Sixty-nine final fall records are from September 2 to October 22, with a median of September 26.

Habitats: Migrants are associated with rank stands of weeds and low, shrubby vegetation, often near streams.

Comments: The little black skullcap that sits atop the crown of males is the most distinctive fieldmark of this species. Like the hooded warbler, it too likes moist to boggy habitats.


Canada Warbler -- Wilsonia canadensis
An occasional spring and fall migrant in the eastern third of Nebraska, rarely reported from as far west as McPherson County. Breeding occurs in Minnesota, and migrants are regular in the eastern half of the Plains States region.

Migration: Twenty-eight spring sightings range from April 28 to June 6, with a median of May 20. Half of the records fall within the period May 17-25. Fourteen initial fall sightings range from August 10 to October 2, with a median of September 1. Thirteen final fall sightings are from September 3 to October 8, with a median of September 16.

Habitats: Migrants are usually found in brushy areas near streams, but sometimes also range well up into trees at considerable distance from water.

Comments: The attractive black-beaded "necklace" that drapes down over the yellow breast of males provides for instant identification of this species, and even in females a shadowy brown necklace is visible.


Yellow-breasted Chat -- Icteria virens
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide in suitable habitats. Breeding is widespread throughout the Plains States excepting eastern North Dakota, western Minnesota, and the most arid parts of the southwestern portions of the Plains region.

Migration: The range of 120 initial spring sightings is from April 23 to June 7, with a median of May 15. Half of the records fall within the period May 10-21. The range of 63 final fall sightings is from July 21 to October 16, with a median of September 9. Half of the records fall within the period August 21-September 23.

Habitats: Breeding birds usually favor ravine or streamside thickets, especially those with small trees and tall shrubs, as well as forest edges, dense stands of tree saplings, and clumps of shrubs in overgrazed pastures.

Comments: This is easily the largest and also one of the loudest of all warbler species; one's initial impression of it might be an unusually colorful vireo, since it has vireo-like eye-rings and is prone to sing loudly and persistently from hidden locations. Its so-called song is a wild mixture of notes, quite unlike that of any other warbler, and somewhat catbird-like. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Return To Top Of This Page
GoTo Page Fourteen
Return to Table of Contents
GoTo definitions of terms used in text.
[Return to Physics Department]  This web site courtesy of the Department
 of Physics and Physical Science
In cooperation with the [UNK Home] University of Nebraska at Kearney