Warblers

American Redstart

NPS Photo

Explore the park's trails in the summertime, and you might catch a glimpse of tiny warblers flitting through the canopy and understory. Many of these delightful birds either migrate through or call the park home throughout the year, bringing joy to visitors with their charming appearances.

Did You Know?

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller has 28 documented species of warblers, including ovenbirds, magnolia warblers, and wilson’s warblers. Picture yourself spotting a flash of yellow in the trees—can you identify which warbler it is? Don't forget, not all warblers are yellow! Keep an eye out for the striking blue black-throated blue warbler, or the bold black and orange of an American redstart.

Importance of Warblers

Warblers are insectivores, meaning they rely on insects for food. A decline in insect populations can lead to a decrease in warbler numbers. So, if you notice fewer warblers, it might signal a drop in local insect populations. Additionally, certain species like the ovenbird require specific habitats, such as old-growth forests, to breed and raise their chicks successfully.

Threats to Warblers

Like many wildlife species, warblers face significant threats from climate change and habitat loss across North America. With specific habitat needs, warblers may abandon their breeding grounds and search for new habitats if their original ones are lost. Rising temperatures could soon limit their range, particularly in southern areas.

Interested in learning more about the impacts of climate change on birds? Check out the National Audobon Society's Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink.