Magnolia Warblers (Setophaga magnolia)
By Lindsey Hernandez

As spring migration draws to a close, one of the season’s most striking songbirds is still
fluttering through the trees—the Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia). This vibrant
warbler is a seasonal visitor across much of the Eastern and Central U.S., pausing
briefly on its way from tropical wintering grounds in Central America to breeding
territories in the boreal forests of the north.

Despite what its name suggests, the Magnolia Warbler has no strong connection to
magnolia trees. The name dates back to 1810 when the first specimen was collected
from a magnolia during migration. Magnolia Warblers breed in dense stands of young
conifers—spruce in the north and hemlock in the south—and during migration, they
forage in just about any area with dense shrubs or trees.

The Magnolia Warbler has a bold appearance. Males are particularly eye-catching with
a bright yellow breast streaked with thick black “necklace” lines, a black mask, white
wing patch, and gray crown. Females are more understated but still lovely, with yellow
underparts, subtle black streaking, a gray head with a white eye ring, and two white
wingbars. One consistent feature for both sexes of all ages is the distinctive tail: white
underneath with a crisp black tip. The bird fans and raises its tail often during courtship
or territorial displays.

These small birds, only 5 inches long, are busy and efficient foragers. They can be
seen hopping through the mid-levels of trees and shrubs, carefully picking
insects—especially caterpillars—from the undersides of leaves. During migration, they
often join mixed-species flocks, sometimes tagging along with chickadees or other
warblers.

Magnolia Warblers migrate at night, and many make the impressive non-stop flight
across the Gulf of Mexico during both spring and fall. These journeys require precise
timing and plenty of fuel, which they gather by feeding heavily during stopovers.
Magnolia Warbler males sing two different songs—one for courtship and nesting, and
another, gentler one likely used in territory defense. Males and females share a
breeding territory in the summer but maintain separate territories on their wintering
grounds, which range from sea level cacao plantations and orchards to thickets as high
as 5,000 feet.

Compiled by Lindsey Hernandez

Sources include Cornell Lab of Orinthology, American Bird Conservancy and Houston
Audubon Society

Cover photo: Magnolia warbler, Alan Schmierer, Public Domain