Illustration © David Allen Sibley.
Learn more about these drawings.
Text © Kenn Kaufman, adapted from
Lives of North American Birds
Photo: Ron Austing/Vireo
Kirtland's Warbler
Setophaga kirtlandii
| Conservation status | Endangered. Always known as a scarce bird with a limited range, Kirtland's Warbler apparently began to decline seriously in the 1960s; census numbers dropped from 502 singing males in 1961 to only 201 in 1971. Through most of the 1970s and 1980s, the annual counts hovered around 200 males, twice dropping as low as 167. Since 1990 the numbers have gradually increased. The tally of singing males topped 1,000 for the first time in 2001, increased to 1,700 by 2007, and hit 2,000 in 2012. Although these are still dangerously low numbers for a songbird, the trend is encouraging. Conservationists are helping the bird by providing more habitat (controlled burning creates the stands of young jack pines needed by the warbler) and by controlling the numbers of parasitic cowbirds in the nesting areas. |
|---|---|
| Family | Wood Warblers |
| Habitat | Young jack pine; winters in dense understory of pines. Breeds only in large stands of young jack pines from 5-25' tall. Jack pine grows on sandy soils, and regenerates only after fires. In migration, seen in thickets and deciduous trees. During winter, rarely seen, found only in dense undergrowth of pine forests of the Bahamas. |
Photo Gallery
Feeding Behavior
Forages for insects near the ground and in lower parts of pines and oaks. Will hop on ground to probe for insects. Gleans insects from pine needles and other vegetation, and occasionally takes items while hovering. Solitary in its foraging in winter.
Eggs
4, sometimes 3-6. Buff or pinkish-white with brown spots at larger end. Incubation is by female only, 13-15 days; males feed females on nest during incubation. Up to 70% of nests are parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds in areas where there is no control of cowbirds by humans. Young: Fed by both parents. Young leave nest at age of 9 days, do not fly well at first. Parents continue to feed young up to 6 weeks. Usually 1 brood, rarely 2.
Young
Fed by both parents. Young leave nest at age of 9 days, do not fly well at first. Parents continue to feed young up to 6 weeks. Usually 1 brood, rarely 2.
Diet
Mostly small insects, some berries. In summer, eats many insects, including sawfly adults and larvae, grasshopper nymphs, moths, and flies. Adults also feed on pine sap and blueberries. May feed soft berries to young. In winter in the Bahamas, feeds on insects and small fruits.
Nesting
Males arrive on breeding grounds in mid-May, a few days before the females, and establish large territories. Tend to be loosely colonial (lone pairs are rare), and males tend to return to the same colony in which they previously nested. Males sometimes have more than one mate. Nest: Placed on ground in sandy soil close to pine. Nest (built by female) is open cup made of grass, sedge, pine needles, oak leaves, lined with rootlets, hair, moss, and fibers.
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Songs and Calls
Low pitched, loud, bubbling, and rising at the end.Kirtland's Warbler In the News More News
Science
Endangered Kirtland’s Warbler Makes Unexpected Debut in Jamaica
Scientists aren't sure whether the appearance is a range expansion or a migration mishap. Either way, it's a sign of the species' recovery.
News
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In an unparalleled career, the Michigan congressman laid the foundation for modern environmental protection in America.
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“Jason taught me 90 percent of everything I know. He’s been a big part of the bird aspect of my life.”
