MacGillivray's warbler is a species of New World warbler. These birds are sluggish and heavy warblers, preferring to spend most of their time on, or near the ground, except when singing.
Region
Western North America and Central America
Typical Environment
Breeds in dense, brushy habitats of western North America, from Alaska and British Columbia south through the Pacific Northwest, the Sierra Nevada, and the Rocky Mountains. Prefers moist thickets, riparian willow and alder tangles, regenerating clearcuts, and montane chaparral with a dense understory. Winters from western and southern Mexico through much of Central America to Panama, favoring shrubby edges, second growth, and shaded plantations. Often stays near streams and other damp areas, keeping low in cover. During migration it uses a variety of brushy habitats and hedgerows.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
MacGillivray's warbler is a skulking New World warbler that spends much of its time low in dense shrubs and near the ground, often remaining hidden except when singing. Males show bold white eye-arcs and a gray hood, helping separate them from the similar Mourning Warbler. The species was formerly placed in the genus Oporornis but is now in Geothlypis. It nests close to the ground in thick cover, making its nests hard to find.
A MacGillivray's warbler pair by Bruce Horsfall
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, with males singing from concealed or semi-exposed perches. Nests are cup-shaped and placed on or near the ground in thick shrubs or grasses. Outside breeding, individuals may join loose mixed-species flocks in winter but generally remain inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A rich, warbling series of phrases that rise and fall with a slightly buzzy quality, often delivered from low shrubs. The call note is a sharp, metallic 'tchek' given from cover. Males may sing persistently at dawn and after disturbances.
Plumage
Olive upperparts with bright yellow underparts and a contrasting gray hood in males; females are duller with a less distinct hood. Both sexes show broken white eye-arcs that form a partial eye ring. Tail and wings are dusky, and the overall impression is of a compact, long-tailed warbler that stays low in foliage.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other small arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, stems, and ground litter and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. During migration and winter it may add small berries to its diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense shrub layers, riparian thickets, and regenerating second growth where leaf cover is abundant. Often stays within a meter or two of the ground, working along edges of streams, clearings, or tangles.
