Species · GBIF taxon 6092935
Blackpoll Warbler
Setophaga striataAlso known as Black-poll Warbler
Blackpoll Warblers are tiny boreal songbirds famous for undertaking a monumental, non-stop autumn migration over the Atlantic Ocean to South America. Breeding males sport a distinctive solid black cap and white cheeks, while their autumn plumage transforms into a subtle greenish-yellow that blends into the canopy. Their high-pitched, insect-like song is one of the highest frequency vocalizations of any North American songbird.
MigratoryBorealInsectivorous
- diet
- Insects, spiders, and berries
- family
- Parulidae
- threats
- Habitat loss in boreal breeding grounds, collisions with man-made structures during migration, and climate change
- life Span
- 3 to 5 years
NT
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Listed as Near Threatened due to steep population declines linked to habitat loss and migration hazards.
Keep a respectful distance in breeding territories and support bird-friendly glass initiatives to protect migrants.- Listen for high pitches: Learn their extremely high, thin, insect-like song to locate them high in the spruce canopy.
- Watch the autumn canopy: Look for drab, greenish-yellow warblers with yellow feet during fall migration.
- Support dark skies: Turn off outdoor lights during spring and fall migration to prevent fatal building collisions.