Setophaga virens
The Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) is a quintessential New World wood-warbler, instantly recognizable by its distinctive vocalizations and striking plumage. Measuring 11.5-14 cm (4.5-5.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 17-21 cm (6.7-8.3 in) and weighing 8-11 g (0.3-0.4 oz), this small songbird exhibits a vibrant olive-green back and crown, a bright yellow face contrasting with a bold black throat and bib, and clean white underparts. Two prominent white wing bars stand out ag...
Predominantly found in coniferous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, often favoring areas with hemlock, spruce, or pine, at moderate to higher elevations during the breeding season.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, beetles, flies, spiders, and other small arthropods, which it gleans from foliage and bark; occasionally consumes small berries outside the breeding season.
Black-throated Green Warblers are highly active, diurnal foragers, spending much of their day gleaning insects from the foliage of trees, often high in the canopy. Males establish and vigorously defend breeding territories through persistent singing and occasional physical disputes, especially ea...
The Black-throated Green Warbler breeds extensively across eastern North America, from central and eastern Canada south through the Great Lakes region, New England, and along the Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia. Its breeding range largely follows the distribution of coniferous and mixed...
Least Concern
- The Black-throated Green Warbler's song is famously mnemonic, often translated as 'trees, trees, murmuring trees' or 'zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee'. - Males can sing up to 40 times per minute during peak breeding season to defend their territory and attract mates. - They often forage with their head coc...