Setophaga palmarum
The Palm Warbler, *Setophaga palmarum*, is a distinctive and widespread New World warbler easily identified by its incessant tail-wagging. Measuring 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 20-22 cm (7.9-8.7 inches) and weighing 8-14 grams (0.28-0.49 oz), this species showcases a yellow belly, prominent yellow undertail coverts, an olive-brown back, and streaked flanks. Breeding males are particularly striking with a rusty chestnut cap, a feature less pronounced or absent in fem...
Breeds in open coniferous or mixed forests, favoring bogs, fens, and tamarack swamps. During winter, it prefers open areas like fields, clearings, coastal scrub, and pine flatwoods, often at low elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a variety of insects like caterpillars, beetles, flies, and ants. In winter, they supplement their diet with small fruits and seeds.
Palm Warblers are diurnal and typically observed alone or in loose groups outside of the breeding season. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning insects from the ground or low vegetation, often employing a characteristic hover-gleaning technique, and occasionally flycatching. Males e...
The Palm Warbler's breeding range extends across the vast boreal forest of Canada, from the Yukon Territory eastward to Newfoundland, and south into the northern United States, including northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and northern New England. During migration, they traverse much of the...
Least Concern
- The Palm Warbler's name is a bit of a misnomer; it rarely associates with palm trees except when wintering in Florida or the Caribbean. - Its constant, distinctive tail-wagging motion is unique among North American warblers, earning it the nickname 'wagging warbler'. - There are two recognized ...