Species · GBIF taxon 6093345
Northern Parula
Setophaga americanaAlso known as Blue Yellow-backed Warbler, Parula Warbler
Northern parulas are tiny, energetic canopy-dwellers easily recognized by their blue-grey upperparts, bright yellow throat, and a distinct bronze patch on their backs. They are famous for their rising, buzzy trill that ends in a sharp, explosive click, a signature sound of eastern forests in spring. These warblers have a unique nesting strategy, weaving their cup-shaped nests directly inside hanging clumps of Spanish moss or Usnea lichens.
MigratoryInsectivorousVocalist
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Caterpillars
- Spiders
- Beetles
Predators
- Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Blue Jay
- Feral Cat
ThreatsHabitat loss, window collisions during migration, and loss of nesting lichens due to air pollution
HabitatsDeciduous and mixed forests, swamps, and riparian woodlands with hanging mosses or lichens
Life spanTypically 2 to 5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyParulidae
- SpeciesSetophaga americana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for the buzz: Locate them by their rising buzzy song that ends with a sharp upward note.
- Look up high: Scan the upper canopy of mature trees, especially near water or hanging moss.
- Check lichen clumps: Watch for females gathering nesting material or weaving nests inside hanging lichens.
Frequent Companion (c) Matt Schenck, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Schenck · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative (c) Dan Vickers, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dan Vickers · cc-by
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