Setophaga striata
The Blackpoll Warbler, Setophaga striata, is a small, energetic passerine renowned for its incredible migratory feats. Breeding males are easily identified by their striking solid black cap, clean white cheeks, and white underparts with faint streaking on the flanks, contrasting with a streaked grey back. They measure approximately 12.5-14 cm (5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 20-23 cm (8-9 inches), and weigh a mere 10-15 grams. Breeding females are duller, with an olive-green cap and b...
Breeds in dense boreal coniferous forests (spruce, fir, tamarack) and subarctic taiga, often at higher elevations. Winters in tropical broadleaf forests, secondary growth, and plantations across northern South America.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars (especially spruce budworm larvae), beetles, spiders, and flies gleaned from foliage. In fall, they supplement their diet with small berries to build up fat reserves for migration.
Blackpoll Warblers are active foragers, meticulously gleaning insects from the outer foliage and needles of conifers, often hovering acrobatically to snatch prey. They typically move slowly and deliberately while foraging, often high in the canopy. Males establish and defend territories on breedi...
The Blackpoll Warbler has an expansive breeding range extending across virtually all of Canada and Alaska, excluding the southern prairies and coastal British Columbia. Its breeding grounds also encompass northern New England and the Adirondack Mountains in the northeastern United States, typical...
Least Concern
- The Blackpoll Warbler undertakes one of the longest migratory journeys of any North American passerine, flying up to 20,000 km (12,400 miles) annually. - During fall migration, they often embark on a non-stop, transoceanic flight of 2-3 days from the Atlantic coast of North America to northern ...