Blackburnian warblers (Setophaga fusca) are small, brightly colored songbirds that breed in the forests of eastern North America. These striking birds get their name from the fiery orange and yellow plumage on the male’s throat and face. Blackburnian warblers breed in coniferous and mixed forests across Canada and the northeastern and north-central United States. They winter in the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands.
Breeding Range
Blackburnian warblers breed in a large range stretching from southern Canada down into the northern United States. Their breeding range extends from southern British Columbia across Canada to Nova Scotia. In the United States, they breed from the Pacific Northwest across northern states to New England and the Appalachian Mountains.
Some key details about the blackburnian warbler’s breeding range include:
- Northern limit – Southern Yukon and British Columbia
- Southern limit – Northern Georgia and Alabama
- Western limit – Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana
- Eastern limit – Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Within their expansive breeding range, blackburnian warblers inhabit mature coniferous and mixed forests. They prefer forests with tall trees and a closed canopy. Some of their favored nesting habitats include:
- Boreal forests with spruce, fir, pine, tamarack, and cedar
- Northern hardwood forests with hemlock, birch, maple, and beech
- Mixed coniferous-deciduous forests
- Swampy woodlands with tamarack and black spruce
- Douglas fir forests in the Pacific Northwest
The blackburnian warbler’s breeding habitat generally occurs at higher elevations in the southern portion of its range in the United States. At the northern extreme of its range in Canada, it can breed at sea level in coastal forests.
Wintering Range
Blackburnian warblers migrate long distances to reach their wintering grounds in Central America and the Caribbean. The majority of the population winters on Caribbean islands like Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. On the mainland, they reach south to Nicaragua along the Caribbean slope.
Some details about the blackburnian warbler’s winter range:
- Northern limit – Southern Mexico
- Southern limit – Nicaragua
- Eastern limit – Puerto Rico
- Western limit – Southern Mexico
On their wintering grounds, blackburnian warblers inhabit tropical broadleaf forests and woodlands. They forage high in the forest canopy, along with other migratory warblers. Some of their typical winter habitats include:
- Tropical rainforests
- Mountain cloud forests
- Mangrove forests
- Shade coffee plantations
The Caribbean islands host the majority of wintering blackburnian warblers. Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico are all important wintering sites. On the mainland, they occupy middle elevations on Caribbean-facing slopes from southern Mexico to Nicaragua.
Migration Route
Blackburnian warblers undertake a long spring and fall migration between their breeding and wintering grounds. They follow distinct routes across North America.
In spring, blackburnian warblers migrate north along the Atlantic coast from Florida to the Northeast and along the Mississippi River valley. Some birds also cross the Gulf of Mexico, making an overnight flight of 500-600 miles.
In fall, they trace a similar but broader front south across the Eastern United States to the Gulf Coast and Florida. They concentrate along the Appalachian Mountains. Some birds migrate overland through Mexico, while others cross the Caribbean Sea to wintering islands.
Key details about the blackburnian warbler’s migration routes:
- Spring route – Up the Atlantic coast and Mississippi River valley
- Fall route – Across Eastern US from Northeast to Southeast
- Concentrations – Appalachian Mountains in fall
- Overwater routes – Cross Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea
Migrating blackburnian warblers use diverse habitats along their migration routes. They can be found resting and refueling in parks, backyards, forests, and protected natural areas during migration.
Threats and Conservation Status
Overall, blackburnian warblers have a healthy population and are not considered threatened or endangered. However, habitat loss on their breeding and wintering grounds poses long-term threats to the species.
Some current threats to blackburnian warblers include:
- Deforestation in Central America wintering areas
- Forest fragmentation and timber harvesting on breeding grounds
- Increased severity of spring storms along migration routes
- Brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds
Conservation measures to help protect blackburnian warblers include:
- Protecting wintering habitat in Central America
- Sustainable forestry practices on breeding grounds
- Enlarging forested migration corridors
- Controlling cowbird populations near warbler nesting areas
The blackburnian warbler has a large population estimated at 14 million birds. Its population increased in the early 20th century with regrowth of eastern forests. Breeding Bird Survey data shows populations stable overall from 1966 to 2015. The species rates an 8 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score and is a species of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.
Conclusion
In summary, blackburnian warblers are found breeding in mature coniferous and mixed forests across Canada and the northeastern and north-central United States. They migrate long distances to winter in the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. The species faces threats from habitat loss and cowbird nest parasitism but has stable overall populations. Protecting forests across its range and controlling cowbird populations will help ensure the future of this beautiful neotropical migrant.