The pine warbler is a small songbird of the New World warbler family Parulidae. It is a permanent resident in the southeastern United States and also breeds in southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States, where it is migratory. Unlike other wood-warblers, in addition to insects the pine warbler also sometimes consumes seeds.
Region
Eastern North America
Typical Environment
Breeds across the eastern United States into southeastern Canada, closely tracking regions with extensive pine forests. Common in longleaf, loblolly, pitch, and other pine stands, as well as mixed pine–hardwood forests. In winter, many individuals remain in the southeastern U.S., with northern breeders moving southward. They favor open to moderately dense pine woodlands, pine plantations, and edges with scattered mature pines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Pine warblers favor pine-dominated woodlands and often forage high in the canopy, where their steady, musical trill carries far. Unlike most wood-warblers, they readily eat seeds and will visit bird feeders for suet and sunflower chips in winter. Their flexibility with food allows some populations to overwinter farther north than other warblers.
Temperament
generally unobtrusive and calm
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages high in pines, singly or in small groups, and joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. During breeding, males sing from exposed perches and defend territories; pairs are typically monogamous. Nests are usually placed high in pine trees, constructed of fine materials and lined with softer fibers.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A clear, steady, musical trill, even in pace and pitch, often delivered from high in a pine. Calls include soft chips and trills used during foraging and contact.
Plumage
Males are olive-green above with a bright yellow throat and breast, faint breast streaking, and clean whitish belly; females and immatures are duller, gray-olive with a weaker yellow wash. All ages show two bold white wing bars and relatively plain upperparts.
Diet
Consumes a variety of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants, as well as spiders. Unusually for a warbler, it also eats seeds (especially pine seeds) and berries, and will crack seeds at feeders. In winter, it readily takes suet and sunflower chips, supplementing scarce insect prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in pine canopies, gleaning from needles, twigs, and bark crevices. Will descend to midstory and occasionally to the ground or feeders, especially in colder months. Often forages along edges and open pine savannas where cones and seed sources are abundant.
