The Tennessee warbler is a New World warbler that breeds in eastern North America and winters in southern Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. The specific name peregrina is from Latin peregrinus "wanderer".
Region
North and Central America
Typical Environment
Breeds across the boreal and mixed forests of Canada and the northern United States, favoring spruce–fir, aspen–birch, and mixed coniferous habitats with dense understory. Migrates through eastern and central North America, commonly passing through the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways. Winters in southern Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America, using second growth, forest edges, plantations, and shade coffee. Often forages from the midstory to canopy but will descend to shrubs and low vegetation, especially during migration.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, the Tennessee warbler breeds far to the north, mainly in the boreal forests of Canada and the northern United States, and only passes through Tennessee on migration. The species epithet peregrina means “wanderer,” reflecting its long-distance movements. It is a notable consumer of spruce budworms, and populations can boom during outbreaks. In winter, it often sips nectar and may visit flowering trees and even hummingbird feeders.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs on the breeding grounds, where it is territorial; the female builds a cup nest on or near the ground in dense cover. Monogamous during the breeding season. In winter and during migration, frequently joins mixed-species flocks and forages cooperatively in the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A high, rapid series of thin, ringing notes delivered in two to three accelerating phrases, often described as staccato and metallic. Calls include sharp chips and thin tsee notes used in foraging flocks.
Plumage
Breeding males show a gray head, olive-green back, and clean white underparts with a crisp pale supercilium; females and nonbreeding birds are more uniformly olive with a slight yellowish wash below. Plumage lacks wing bars and is relatively plain, emphasizing subtle contrasts. Feathers are smooth and sleek, aiding rapid, agile foraging.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and their larvae, especially caterpillars like spruce budworm, along with spiders and other small arthropods. During migration and winter it supplements with nectar and occasionally small fruits. It gleans from foliage, probes flower clusters, and makes quick sallies to capture prey. Diet shifts seasonally with prey availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the midstory to canopy of forests and woodlands, including edges and second growth. In winter it frequents flowering trees, plantations, and shade-grown coffee where nectar and insects are abundant.
