Bird

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

Also known as Hemlock Warbler, Orange-throated Warbler, Torch-bird

Blackburnian Warblers are striking canopy-dwelling songbirds, famous for the male's brilliant, flame-orange throat and breast. They spend most of their time foraging in the highest branches of mature coniferous forests, where they search for insects among the needles. During migration, their high-pitched, ascending songs, which end in a thin, barely audible buzz, help birdwatchers locate them high in the treetops.

MigratoryInsectivorousCanopy-dwelling

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Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyCaterpillars, Spiders, Beetles

Predators

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Blue Jay

ThreatsHabitat loss on breeding and wintering grounds, forest fragmentation, and window collisions

HabitatsMature coniferous and mixed forests, especially hemlock and spruce stands

Life span3 to 6 years

Classification

FamilyParulidae
SpeciesSetophaga fusca

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Look for the brilliant orange throat and black-and-white face pattern high in mature conifers.
Support conservation: Avoid using playback calls during the breeding season to prevent disrupting nesting pairs.

Responsible observation

Look up: Scan the very tops of mature hemlock, spruce, and pine trees where they prefer to forage.
Listen for the buzz: Learn their extremely high-pitched song, which ends in a thin, insect-like trill.
Visit during migration: Look for them in deciduous woodlots during spring and fall migration when they feed lower.

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