The palm warbler is a small songbird of the New World warbler family.
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Typical Environment
Breeds in the boreal forest zone, especially tamarack and spruce bogs with sphagnum, from central and eastern Canada into the northeastern United States. During migration and winter it occurs across the southeastern United States, the Gulf Coast, Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Mexico and northern Central America. It favors open, brushy habitats, coastal scrub, mangroves, weedy fields, and edges. Often forages on or near the ground in low vegetation and along shorelines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The palm warbler is a small New World warbler noted for its constant tail-wagging, a behavior that helps distinguish it from similar species. It breeds in boggy boreal habitats but winters far to the south in open, weedy areas, mangroves, and coastal scrub. Two subspecies occur: a duller western form and a brighter eastern form with more yellow below.
Eating a Halloween pennant
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in loose mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Pairs form on breeding grounds where they nest on or near the ground in sphagnum or dense low cover. Clutches typically contain 4–5 eggs, and both parents tend young. Territorial during breeding, more tolerant in winter foraging areas.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a simple, buzzy trill or series of thin, monotone notes delivered from low perches. Calls include sharp chips and a thin tseet given during foraging and migration.
Plumage
Brownish-olive upperparts with fine streaking, yellowish underparts variably streaked on breast and flanks, and distinctly brighter yellow undertail coverts. In breeding plumage shows a rufous to chestnut crown and a pale, contrasting supercilium. Nonbreeding birds are duller but retain the tail-wagging habit. Eastern birds are brighter yellow below than western birds.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other small invertebrates such as spiders, caterpillars, and beetles taken by gleaning or short sallies. In migration and winter it also eats small berries and fruits, including wax myrtle and bayberry. Occasionally picks seeds and arthropods from the ground and low foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open, brushy habitats, grassy edges, coastal scrub, dunes, and mangroves. Often forages on or near the ground, along paths, and at the edges of wetlands and fields. Will also use landscaped areas and weedy lots during migration.
