The orange-crowned warbler is a small songbird of the New World warbler family.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds from Alaska and western/central Canada south into the western and northern United States, with scattered populations in the interior West. Winters across the southern United States, Mexico, and into parts of Central America. Prefers shrubby habitats, willow–alder riparian thickets, regenerating or burned forests, and chaparral edges. In winter it uses brushy parks, coastal scrub, oak woodlands, and suburban gardens. Often forages in low to mid-level vegetation where cover is dense.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The orange-crowned warbler is a small New World warbler whose namesake orange crown patch is usually hidden and most visible on excited males. It is one of North America’s plainer warblers, relying on subtle olive and gray tones for camouflage. Several subspecies vary in brightness and tone from the Pacific Coast to Alaska and the interior West. In winter it often visits sapsucker wells and may come to hummingbird feeders for nectar.
Crown patch visible
Orange-crowned warbler is one of the species of birds jeopardized by the decline of broadleaf forests in the Pacific Northwest
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during breeding; joins mixed-species foraging flocks in non-breeding seasons. Nests on or near the ground in dense low vegetation; the female builds a cup nest and incubates while the male helps feed young. Generally monogamous within a season and defends a small territory.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A thin, brisk trill that often descends slightly, sounding buzzy and even. Calls include a sharp tchip or tseek given while foraging. Song can be variable and less musical than many other warblers.
Plumage
Mostly plain olive to gray-olive above with yellow-olive underparts and brighter yellow undertail coverts; faint streaking and a subtle broken eye ring. The crown patch is dull orange but typically concealed, flaring when the bird is agitated. Wings lack strong wingbars, giving a smooth, uniform look. Subspecies vary from brighter yellow-green to grayer tones.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects, spiders, and larvae gleaned from leaves, catkins, and twigs. In winter it supplements with berries and soft fruits and will sip nectar, including from hummingbird feeders. It also visits sapsucker wells to lap sap and capture attracted insects. Occasionally hawks small insects by short sallies or hover-gleans at foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense shrubs, willow and alder thickets, and the lower to mid canopy of open woodlands. In winter, frequents brushy edges, coastal scrub, parks, and gardens with flowering plants or sap sources. Often stays within cover, moving methodically through foliage.
