Warblers of Wisconsin: 35 Species You Should Know (w/Pics)
Warblers are some of the most flashy and dynamic birds in North America and Wisconsin is home to many of them. These small active birds can be quite challenging to find and distinguishing but with few steps outlined above and some exercise, you will be able to distinguish them.
In this booklet, we will look at thirty five species of warblers that are found in Wisconsin. Here you are going to find how to; identify them, their habitat, their diets and how they acquire their foods. Let’s get started!
1. American Redstart
Identification
The American Redstart is a striking warbler, with adult males featuring bold black plumage with fiery orange or red accents on their tails and wings. Females are generally grayish-brown with yellowish-orange accents. The redstart’s distinctive black and orange pattern makes it easily identifiable among other warblers.
Range
The American Redstart is a migratory bird that breeds in Wisconsin’s wooded areas during the spring and summer months. It then migrates south for the winter to the Caribbean and Central America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
American Redstarts primarily eat insects, especially moths, and beetles, which they catch while flitting through trees and shrubs. They are known for their dynamic foraging style, often fluttering and hovering while searching for food.
Where to Find this Bird
These warblers are commonly found in deciduous and mixed forests, particularly near water bodies such as lakes or streams. Look for them in areas with plenty of shrubs and undergrowth.
2. Bay-breasted Warbler
Identification
The Bay-breasted Warbler is a small bird with a striking appearance, featuring a reddish-brown patch on its breast and sides. The males, during breeding season, have a mix of dark brown and blackish plumage, with contrasting pale underparts. Females and non-breeding males are more muted in color, with brownish tones.
Range
This species migrates through Wisconsin during the spring and fall, though some may also breed in the northern parts of the state. They typically breed in coniferous forests, particularly those in Canada, and migrate to Central America during the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Bay-breasted Warblers primarily feed on insects, especially small caterpillars. They forage by moving through the upper branches of trees, picking insects from leaves and twigs.
Where to Find This Bird
In Wisconsin, you can find Bay-breasted Warblers during their migration in the spring and fall, typically in coniferous forests or mixed woodlands with abundant foliage.
3. Black-and-white Warbler
Identification
The Black-and-white Warbler stands out for its bold black-and-white striped plumage, resembling a miniature woodpecker. It has a slender body, with a long, slightly curved bill, which is used for probing tree bark for insects.
Range
This warbler can be found in Wisconsin year-round, though it’s most commonly spotted during migration. They breed in the northern parts of North America and are one of the few warblers that don’t migrate far south in winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
The Black-and-white Warbler is known for its unique foraging technique—climbing tree trunks and branches in search of insects, often tapping on the bark like a woodpecker.
Where to Find this Bird
In Wisconsin, you can find them in mature deciduous forests and along streams. They are often found in areas where large, mature trees are abundant.
4. Black-throated Blue Warbler
Identification
The Black-throated Blue Warbler is a stunning bird with a deep blue-gray back and a distinctive black throat, creating a bold contrast against its white belly. Females and immature males lack the black throat but have a similar blue-gray body color.
Range
This warbler is common in Wisconsin during the summer breeding season. It migrates to the Caribbean and Central America for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-throated Blue Warblers forage primarily for insects, often found in the lower to middle levels of trees. They are known for their quiet, slow foraging technique.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for this warbler in mature deciduous forests with a dense undergrowth. They are often seen in forests near streams and wetlands.
5. Black-throated Gray Warbler (Rare)
Identification
The Black-throated Gray Warbler is a small warbler with a sharp black throat, pale gray back, and white underparts. It has a distinctive white eyebrow and dark streaks on the sides.
Range
This warbler is considered rare in Wisconsin, with most sightings occurring during migration. It is primarily found in the southwestern United States but occasionally migrates through Wisconsin.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Like other warblers, it primarily eats insects, especially beetles and caterpillars. It forages in shrubs and trees, often in the middle or lower branches.
Where to Find this Bird
While sightings are rare, you may find the Black-throated Gray Warbler in wooded areas or along forest edges during migration.
6. Black-throated Green Warbler
Identification
The Black-throated Green Warbler is a small bird with bright yellow underparts and olive-green upperparts. Males have a distinctive black throat, while females have a more subtle yellowish-green throat.
Range
These warblers breed in the northern parts of North America, migrating to the southern U.S. and Central America during the winter. They are common in Wisconsin during the summer months.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-throated Green Warblers feed primarily on insects, including caterpillars and beetles. They are often seen foraging in the canopy, flitting between branches in search of food.
Where to Find this Bird
You can find Black-throated Green Warblers in dense forests, particularly those with a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. Look for them in the higher canopy of trees.
7. Blackburnian Warbler
Identification
The Blackburnian Warbler is a colorful bird, with males featuring bright orange plumage on their throats and faces. Their black and white striped wings add to their dramatic appearance. Females and immature males are less colorful, with duller yellow and gray markings.
Range
Blackburnian Warblers breed in northern forests, and they migrate through Wisconsin during spring and fall. They travel to Central and South America for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
These warblers are insectivores, mainly feeding on moths and caterpillars. They forage in the canopy of tall trees, often hovering and darting between branches.
Where to Find this Bird
Blackburnian Warblers are typically found in high-canopy forests, especially in mature coniferous forests or mixed woodlands with plenty of foliage.
8. Blackpoll Warbler
Identification
The Blackpoll Warbler is a small bird with striking black and white streaking on its back and a distinct black cap on its head. During migration, it develops a bold white underbelly with a streaky chest.
Range
This warbler breeds in northern coniferous forests and migrates through Wisconsin during the fall migration, heading to the tropical regions of South America for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Blackpoll Warblers are insectivorous and feed mainly on small insects, which they catch while flitting through trees and shrubs. They are known for their energetic foraging style.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Blackpoll Warblers in dense coniferous forests and along forest edges, particularly during the fall migration.
9. Blue-winged Warbler
Identification
The Blue-winged Warbler is a small, yellow bird with blue-gray wings. The male has a striking black line through the eye, and both sexes have a pale yellowish belly.
Range
Blue-winged Warblers breed in southern Wisconsin and migrate south for the winter to Central America. They are typically seen in Wisconsin during the warmer months.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
These warblers feed on insects, especially caterpillars, which they catch by foraging in shrubs and low trees.
Where to Find this Bird
Blue-winged Warblers are often found in shrubby areas and woodland edges, particularly near wetlands and streams.
10. Canada Warbler
Identification
The Canada Warbler is a small, brightly-coloured bird with a distinctive black necklace around its neck. It has a yellow belly and olive-grey upper parts.
Range
Canada Warblers breed in the northern regions of North America and migrate through Wisconsin during the spring and fall. They spend the winter in Central and South America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Canada Warblers are insectivores, feeding on small insects like moths and beetles, which they forage for in the lower and middle parts of trees.
Where to Find this Bird
These warblers are typically found in dense, shaded forests with plenty of undergrowth. They are often seen near streams and marshes during migration.
11. Cerulean Warbler
Identification
The Cerulean Warbler is known for its stunning blue plumage. Males have a bright sky-blue back, white underparts, and a distinctive pale blue face. Females and immatures are more subdued, with olive-green backs and yellowish underparts.
Range
This species is migratory and can be found in Wisconsin during the breeding season. It migrates to South America for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Cerulean Warblers feed on insects, particularly caterpillars, which they forage from the upper levels of trees. They are known for their energetic foraging style.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Cerulean Warblers in mature forests, particularly those with tall trees and a dense canopy. They prefer deciduous forests and woodlands.
12. Chestnut-sided Warbler
Identification
The Chestnut-sided Warbler is a striking bird with a bright chestnut-colored patch on its sides. Males have bold yellow and white plumage with a chestnut streak running along their sides. Females are similar but with less vivid coloration.
Range
This species migrates through Wisconsin during the spring and fall, with some breeding in the state. It migrates to southern regions of North America for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Chestnut-sided Warblers are insectivores, foraging in shrubs and trees for insects. They feed primarily on caterpillars and beetles.
Where to Find this Bird
In Wisconsin, look for them in deciduous and mixed forests, particularly in areas with shrubby undergrowth.
13. Common Yellowthroat
Identification
The Common Yellowthroat is a small, active warbler with a bright yellow belly and a black mask around its face, which is its most distinguishing feature. Males have a darker black mask, while females have a more subdued brownish face.
Range
The Common Yellowthroat is a migratory species that passes through Wisconsin during migration, breeding in the state’s wetlands and marshes.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
This species feeds on insects, especially flies and beetles, which it catches while foraging in the low vegetation and along water edges.
Where to Find this Bird
Common Yellowthroats are commonly found in wetland areas, such as marshes, ponds, and streams, particularly where there is dense vegetation.
14. Connecticut Warbler
Identification
The Connecticut Warbler has a dark olive-gray back with a yellow belly and a distinctive greyish head. It also has a dark line running through its eye, giving it a striking appearance.
Range
This species is more common during migration, with sightings in Wisconsin occurring during the spring and fall. It primarily breeds in the northern parts of North America and migrates to Central America for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Connecticut Warblers feed on insects, particularly beetles and caterpillars. They forage primarily on the ground, in leaf litter, or in low shrubs.
Where to Find this Bird
In Wisconsin, look for Connecticut Warblers in dense, moist woodlands and forest edges during migration.
15. Golden-winged Warbler
Identification
The Golden-winged Warbler is a small bird with a striking blue-gray back and golden yellow wing patches. The male has a black throat and a distinctive white belly, while the female has more muted colors.
Range
Golden-winged Warblers breed in the northern parts of North America and migrate through Wisconsin during spring and fall. They spend their winters in Central America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
They feed primarily on insects, especially caterpillars, which they find by foraging in the mid to upper levels of trees and shrubs.
Where to Find this Bird
Golden-winged Warblers can be found in scrubby, overgrown areas and forests with a mix of shrubs and tall trees. Look for them in the northern parts of Wisconsin.
16. Hooded Warbler
Identification
The Hooded Warbler is a striking bird with a bright yellow body and a black “hood” around its head. Males have a darker, more defined black mask, while females have a lighter mask.
Range
This species breeds in southern Wisconsin and migrates to the southern U.S. and Central America for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Hooded Warblers feed on insects, particularly caterpillars, which they forage from the mid to upper levels of trees.
Where to Find this Bird
Hooded Warblers are typically found in mature deciduous forests, particularly near streams and wetlands.
17. Kirtland’s Warbler
Identification
Kirtland’s Warbler is a rare and endangered species with a distinctive yellow belly, blue-gray back, and a unique black streak running down its sides. The male has a pale yellow belly and a more distinct dark streak.
Range
This species is primarily found in Michigan and parts of Wisconsin during migration, though it has a very limited breeding range. Kirtland’s Warbler is a migratory bird that spends the winter in the Bahamas.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Kirtland’s Warblers primarily feed on insects such as beetles and caterpillars, which they forage for in shrubs and small trees.
Where to Find this Bird
You can find Kirtland’s Warbler in northern Wisconsin, particularly in areas with young jack pine forests and other scrubby habitats.
18. Louisiana Waterthrush
Identification
The Louisiana Waterthrush is a warbler with a streaky chest and white underparts. Its olive-brown back and long, slim body make it stand out, and it often has a distinctive “wagtail” behavior, flicking its tail while perched.
Range
This warbler breeds in the southern parts of Wisconsin and migrates to the southeastern U.S. for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Louisiana Waterthrushes are insectivores, foraging for small insects and invertebrates near streams and ponds.
Where to Find this Bird
They are commonly found along streams, rivers, and other wetland habitats, where they search for food along the water’s edge.
19. Magnolia Warbler
Identification
The Magnolia Warbler is a beautiful bird with striking yellow underparts and dark streaks on its chest. Males have bright yellow and black plumage, while females and immatures are paler with more subdued colours.
Range
Magnolia Warblers breed in northern forests and migrate through Wisconsin during the spring and fall. They travel to the southern U.S. for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
These warblers feed primarily on insects, especially caterpillars. They forage in the canopy of trees, flitting between branches in search of food.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Magnolia Warblers in mature forests, particularly those with tall coniferous trees and plenty of underbrush.
20. Mourning Warbler
Identification
The Mourning Warbler is a small, elusive bird with a distinctive slate-gray hood and yellow belly. Its olive-green back blends well into the forest understory.
Range
Mourning Warblers are migratory, breeding in the northern parts of Wisconsin and passing through the state during migration. They spend their winters in Central America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Mourning Warblers feed on insects and are often found foraging in the lower parts of trees and shrubs.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Mourning Warblers in dense forests with heavy underbrush, particularly along forest edges or in shrubby areas.
21. Nashville Warbler
Identification
The Nashville Warbler is a small bird with olive-green plumage and a yellowish belly. It has a distinctive grayish head with a pale yellow throat.
Range
This species migrates through Wisconsin during the spring and fall, and breeds in the northern parts of North America. It spends its winters in Central America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Nashville Warblers are insectivores and typically forage for insects in the lower to middle levels of trees.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Nashville Warblers in deciduous forests and woodlands, particularly those with dense undergrowth and plenty of insects.
22. Northern Parula
Identification
Northern Parulas are small warblers with a striking combination of blue-gray, yellow, and green plumage. Males have a distinctive purple-blue patch on their backs and a bright yellow belly.
Range
These warblers migrate through Wisconsin during spring and fall, with some breeding in the state. They spend the winter in southern parts of North America and the Caribbean.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Parulas primarily feed on insects, particularly small moths and caterpillars. They forage in the upper canopy, fluttering between branches.
Where to Find this Bird
In Wisconsin, Northern Parulas are often found in the upper canopy of deciduous and mixed woodlands.
23. Orange-crowned Warbler
Identification
The Orange-crowned Warbler is a small, subtly colored bird with olive-green plumage and a faint orange patch on the crown, which is often difficult to see. It has a pale yellowish belly and a dark line through the eye.
Range
This warbler is migratory, passing through Wisconsin during migration, with some sightings in the state during the breeding season. It spends its winters in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
The Orange-crowned Warbler feeds on insects, especially small beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which it forages for in shrubs and trees.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for the Orange-crowned Warbler in mixed forests, particularly near shrubbery or forest edges.
24. Palm Warbler
Identification
The Palm Warbler is a small, active warbler with a distinctive yellow belly and a brownish back. It often has a characteristic “tail wagging” behavior and may have a faint brownish cap.
Range
Palm Warblers breed in the northern parts of Wisconsin and migrate southward in the fall. They can be seen in Wisconsin during migration and are typically found in wetland areas.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Palm Warblers feed on insects, particularly ants and small beetles. They typically forage on the ground or in low vegetation.
Where to Find this Bird
This species prefers open woodlands, wet meadows, and edges of ponds or marshes.
25. Pine Warbler
Identification
The Pine Warbler has a yellow-green back and bright yellow underparts. Males tend to have a brighter yellow plumage, while females are more subdued with a greenish hue.
Range
The Pine Warbler is found in Wisconsin during the breeding season. It prefers pine forests and can be found in the southern and central parts of the state.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Pine Warblers feed on insects, such as ants, caterpillars, and beetles, and also consume seeds, particularly from pine cones.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Pine Warblers in mature pine forests, particularly in areas where there is plenty of open ground and low underbrush.
26. Prothonotary Warbler
Identification
The Prothonotary Warbler is known for its bright golden-yellow plumage, particularly on its head and belly. It has a contrasting grayish back and is one of the most vibrant warblers.
Range
Prothonotary Warblers are more common in the southern U.S. but can be found in Wisconsin during migration. They primarily breed in southern parts of North America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
This species feeds on insects, especially aquatic insects, which it catches near water. They are known for foraging low in the vegetation.
Where to Find this Bird
Prothonotary Warblers are typically found in swampy woodlands, wetlands, and floodplains, particularly along rivers and streams.
27. Red-faced Warbler
Identification
This warbler is striking with its bright red face, contrasting with a gray body and white underparts. The male is the most vividly colored, with a deep red face and throat.
Range
The Red-faced Warbler is not commonly found in Wisconsin but can occasionally be seen during migration. It typically breeds in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Red-faced Warblers feed on insects, particularly moths and beetles, which they forage for in the trees.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for this species in higher elevation forests with dense shrubbery, though sightings in Wisconsin are quite rare.
28. Swainson’s Warbler
Identification
Swainson’s Warbler is a small, olive-colored bird with a creamy yellow belly and a distinct dark line running through its eyes. Its plumage is less colorful compared to other warblers, but it is quite distinct in its forested habitat.
Range
This species is migratory, breeding in the southeastern U.S. and passing through Wisconsin during migration. It tends to stay in southern regions during the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Swainson’s Warblers feed primarily on insects and are often found foraging on the forest floor, searching through leaf litter.
Where to Find this Bird
In Wisconsin, they can be found in dense, moist woodlands with plenty of leaf litter and dense undergrowth.
29. Tennessee Warbler
Identification
The Tennessee Warbler is a small, plain warbler with an olive-green back, white underparts, and a distinct grayish head. It has a slightly darker back and pale yellowish breast.
Range
The Tennessee Warbler is migratory and passes through Wisconsin during the spring and fall migrations. It breeds in the boreal forests of northern North America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Tennessee Warblers are insectivores, feeding on small insects, particularly caterpillars, which they find in the upper branches of trees.
Where to Find this Bird
In Wisconsin, this species can be found in mature forests, particularly in areas with coniferous trees.
30. Tropical Parula
Identification
The Tropical Parula has a stunning blue-green back, bright yellow belly, and a distinct blue throat patch. Its vibrant plumage and distinct markings make it stand out in any habitat.
Range
This species can be found in Wisconsin during migration, particularly in the spring and fall, though it is more common in the southern U.S. and Central America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Tropical Parulas feed on insects, particularly moths and small caterpillars, and forage in the upper levels of trees.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for this warbler in wet forests, particularly near rivers or other water bodies, during migration in Wisconsin.
31. Virginia’s Warbler
Identification
Virginia’s Warbler has olive-green plumage with a yellow belly and a distinct grayish-blue head. Its olive back and pale yellow belly make it stand out in its forested habitat.
Range
Virginia’s Warbler is migratory, found in southern U.S. regions during the breeding season and migrating through Wisconsin during migration.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Virginia’s Warblers feed on insects and can often be seen flitting through the trees in search of beetles, caterpillars, and ants.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Virginia’s Warblers in the forests and woodlands of Wisconsin, particularly near areas with dense vegetation.
32. Warbling Vireo
Identification
Though not technically a warbler, the Warbling Vireo is often associated with them due to its similar size and behavior. It has olive-green upperparts and a pale grayish belly, with a distinctive “warbling” song.
Range
Warbling Vireos are found throughout Wisconsin during the breeding season, migrating to Central America for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Warbling Vireos feed on insects, particularly caterpillars, which they catch in trees. They forage mostly in the middle to upper levels of the canopy.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Warbling Vireos in deciduous forests and woodland edges in Wisconsin, especially near areas with abundant insect populations.
33. Wilson’s Warbler
Identification
Wilson’s Warbler is a small, bright yellow bird with a characteristic black cap on its head. Its body is bright yellow with olive-green wings, and it has a distinctive dark line through the eye.
Range
This species migrates through Wisconsin during spring and fall. It breeds in the northern U.S. and Canada and spends the winter in Central America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Wilson’s Warblers are insectivores, feeding primarily on small insects like flies and caterpillars found in shrubs and trees.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for them in dense thickets, brushy areas, and forest edges throughout Wisconsin during migration.
34. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Identification
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is one of the most recognizable warblers, with a mix of yellow, gray, and black plumage. Males have bright yellow patches on their sides, throat, and rump.
Range
Yellow-rumped Warblers are common in Wisconsin throughout the year. They are migratory, though some stay in the state during winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
This species feeds on insects, especially caterpillars, and also consumes berries in the winter. They forage in both the canopy and lower branches.
Where to Find this Bird
Yellow-rumped Warblers can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and even suburban areas.
35. Yellow-throated Warbler
Identification
The Yellow-throated Warbler has a distinctive yellow throat and white underparts, with dark olive-gray wings and back. Males tend to have brighter yellow throat feathers, while females are more muted.
Range
This species breeds in southern Wisconsin and migrates to the southeastern U.S. and Central America for the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Yellow-throated Warblers of Wisconsin feed primarily on insects, foraging in the upper branches of trees, particularly for caterpillars.
Where to Find this Bird
They prefer mature forests with large trees and can be found in Wisconsin during the breeding season in suitable forested areas.
