The blackpoll warbler is a New World warbler. Breeding males are mostly black and white. They have a prominent black cap, white cheeks, and white wing bars. The blackpoll breeds in forests of northern North America, from Alaska throughout most of Canada, to the Adirondack Mountains of New York as well as New England in the Northeastern United States. They are a common migrant throughout much of North America. In fall, they fly south to the Greater Antilles and the northeastern coasts of South America in a non-stop long-distance migration over open water, averaging 2,500 km (1,600 mi), one of the longest-distance non-stop overwater flights ever recorded for a migratory songbird. Rare vagrants to western Europe, they are one of the more frequent transatlantic passerine wanderers.
Region
Northern North America; Caribbean and northern South America
Typical Environment
Breeds across the boreal forests from Alaska through much of Canada to the northeastern United States. During migration it passes widely through eastern and central North America, concentrating along Atlantic coastal habitats before launching a transoceanic flight. In winter it occurs mainly in northern South America, especially the Guianas, Venezuela, and northern Amazonia, with some individuals using the Greater Antilles during passage. It favors spruce–fir and other coniferous forests in the breeding range and uses forest edges, second growth, and shrubby habitats during migration and on wintering grounds.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Blackpoll warblers undertake one of the longest nonstop overwater flights of any songbird, crossing the Atlantic from the northeastern U.S. to northern South America each fall. Breeding males have a striking black-and-white pattern with a black cap, while females and fall birds are more olive-brown and heavily streaked. Their high, very thin song can be hard for some listeners to hear. Bright orange legs are a classic field mark, especially in fall.
Migrating adult in a fruiting flowering dogwood tree
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier
Social Behavior
On breeding grounds, males defend territories and pairs build a cup nest well concealed in conifers. Clutches typically contain 3–5 eggs, and both parents feed the young. During migration and on wintering grounds they often join mixed-species flocks and forage actively through the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A very high-pitched, thin series of tsi-tsi-tsi notes, often delivered in rapid, even tempo. Calls include sharp, high chips that can be easy to miss without attentive listening.
