The Tennessee Warbler is a small songbird that breeds in the northern parts of North America and migrates to spend the winters in southern North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Here is an overview of where Tennessee Warblers live throughout the year:
Breeding Range
Tennessee Warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and the northern United States. Their breeding range extends from:
- Alaska across northern Canada to Labrador and Newfoundland
- South through the forested regions of Canada to the Great Lakes region
- South in the Appalachian Mountains to North Carolina
Within this broad breeding range, Tennessee Warblers are found in areas of dense undergrowth in moist coniferous and mixed forests. They build nests on the ground hidden among shrubs, ferns, and downed logs.
Key Breeding Areas
Some of the key areas where Tennessee Warblers breed include:
- The boreal forests of central and eastern Canada
- Northern Minnesota
- Northern Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Upstate New York
- Northern New England
- High elevations in the Appalachian Mountains
Migration Route
Tennessee Warblers undertake a lengthy fall and spring migration between their breeding and wintering grounds. They follow routes across North America including:
- West across the boreal forests of Canada
- South through the central United States plains and Midwest
- Along the Atlantic coast
Key stopover sites where Tennessee Warblers rest and refuel during migration include areas along the northern Gulf of Mexico coastline.
Timing of Migration
The timing of the Tennessee Warbler’s spring and fall migrations are:
- Spring – Early April to early June
- Fall – Early August to early November
The peak of spring migration is around mid-May. Fall migration peaks in September and early October.
Wintering Range
The Tennessee Warbler winters in forests and woodlands across the southern United States, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands. Their winter range extends from:
- Southern Florida
- The Gulf Coast
- Through Central America
- South to Panama
- Through the Caribbean islands as far south as Jamaica and the Bahamas
Some of the key wintering sites include:
- Southern Florida
- Southern Texas
- Mexico
- Belize
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- The Bahamas
In its winter habitat, the Tennessee Warbler is found in forest understories, second growth, scrub, and shade coffee plantations.
Winter Diet
The Tennessee Warbler’s diet in its winter range consists mainly of insects and spiders, including:
- Caterpillars
- Beetles
- Grasshoppers
- Treehoppers
- Spiders
- Some small fruit
Year-Round Range
Here is a summary of the Tennessee Warbler’s range throughout the year:
Season | Range |
---|---|
Breeding (May-July) | Northern boreal forests of Canada and US |
Fall Migration (August-October) | Across central US to Gulf Coast |
Winter (November-March) | Southern US, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean |
Spring Migration (April-May) | Through central US back to breeding grounds |
Threats and Conservation
The Tennessee Warbler has a large range and population, estimated at 67 million birds. Its populations are generally stable so it is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, some threats to Tennessee Warblers include:
Habitat Loss
Loss of breeding habitat in boreal forests due to logging and development. On the wintering grounds, deforestation of tropical forests also reduces habitat.
Climate Change
Climate change could affect the distribution of boreal forests in North America, potentially impacting Tennessee Warbler breeding habitat in the long term.
Predation
Natural predators of eggs and nestlings include squirrels, snakes, and birds of prey. Brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds can also reduce reproductive success.
Collisions with Buildings
Collisions with buildings and other structures during migration are a threat, especially during periods of bad weather.
Efforts to protect and restore boreal and tropical forests will help maintain habitat for Tennessee Warblers. Limits on deforestation and measures to reduce emissions and address climate change will also benefit the species long term.
Interesting Facts about Tennessee Warblers
- The Tennessee Warbler gets its name not from the state of Tennessee, but for the Tennessee River where the first specimen was collected in 1811.
- These warblers are sometimes called “willow warblers” because of their preference for nesting and breeding in willow thickets.
- Male Tennessee Warblers sing a loud, rapid, ringing trill that ascends in pitch through the boreal forests on their breeding grounds.
- They build domed nests on the ground made of leaves, grasses, moss, and bark strips camouflaged to blend into the surrounding vegetation.
- Tennessee Warblers are one of the last spring warblers to arrive on the breeding grounds, after migrating up to 6,000 miles from their wintering areas.
Conclusion
In summary, the Tennessee Warbler inhabits forests across a broad range in North America over the course of the year. The boreal forests of Canada and the northern US make up their primary breeding range. They undertake long migrations through the eastern and central US to overwinter in southern US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Maintaining habitats across their range will help conserve these widespread yet elusive warblers into the future.