Wilson's

Warbler

Hear My Song
Sound by and (c) to Naturesongs.com 2000

Wilsonia

pusilla

This common warbler has little fear of humans, so it is an easy bird to observe. It searches the outsides of leafy branches, often catching flying insects on the wing. In early summer you will hear the foraging male as he utters long bursts of vivid song: A rapid, staccato series of chips, which drop in pitch at the end.

Its habitat is usually moist thickets in woodlands and along streams; alder and willow thickets and bogs. Its nest is a bulky mass of leaves, rootlets, and moss, lined with hair and fine plant materials, concealed on the ground in a dense clump of weeds or sedge. It is 4 ½ - 5" tall. The adult male is olive green above and yellow below, with a black crown patch. Most females and all young birds lack the black crown and may be distinguished from other olive green warblers with yellow underparts by lack of wing bars, streaks, tail spots or other markings.

Text by Janice Sinclaire

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