The Blackburnian warbler (Setophaga fusca) is a small songbird found in forests across much of eastern North America during the breeding season. With its striking orange and black plumage, the male Blackburnian warbler is one of the most visually striking warblers. Though it has a large breeding range, the Blackburnian warbler can be tricky to find since it tends to stay high up in the canopy of mature forests. Knowing when and where to look is key to spotting this rare warbler.
When to Look for Blackburnian Warblers
The Blackburnian warbler is a neotropical migrant, meaning it winters in Central America and the Caribbean before returning to North America to breed. Here are the key times to spot a Blackburnian warbler:
Mid-May
Mid-May is when the bulk of Blackburnian warblers arrive back on their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada from their wintering grounds. States and provinces further south along the Atlantic coast tend to see arrivals earlier in the month. Look for the first singing males to return and establish territories.
Late May
By late May, Blackburnian warblers can be found across the entirety of their breeding range. Males are now singing frequently to attract mates and defend territories. Peak migration occurs during this time, so prime areas may see large numbers pass through.
June
Throughout June, adults are busy with nesting and raising young. Males continue to sing, though less persistently. Females can be spotted gathering nesting material or carrying food for chicks. June is often the best chance to see both males and females.
July
The breeding season starts to wind down in July. Adults and fledged young may join mixed flocks with other warbler species or vireos. Focus your efforts in areas with higher altitudes where breeding activity extends a bit later.
Mid-August to September
As summer ends, Blackburnian warblers begin migrating back to their wintering grounds. During this time, individuals can turn up almost anywhere en route, though coastal areas, mountains, and lakeshores concentrate migrating birds. Peak fall migration is typically in mid-September.
Where to Look for Blackburnian Warblers
Though found across much of the eastern and central United States and Canada during summer, Blackburnian warblers breed most commonly in the following types of habitats:
Mature Coniferous Forests
The Blackburnian warbler’s stronghold is in mature coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by tall pines, hemlocks, firs, and spruces. They thrive in forests with a closed canopy and tall vertical structure. In the Appalachians, they frequent stands of eastern hemlock and white pine. Search the upper canopy for these warblers in both upland and swampy coniferous woods.
Mixed Deciduous-Coniferous Forests
Transition zones between coniferous and deciduous forests also attract Blackburnians, especially where tall white pines or hemlocks emerge above the hardwood canopy. Check for warblers in the pines and listen for their high, buzzy song.
Northern Hardwood Forests
Though deciduous forests are secondary habitat, Blackburnians regularly inhabit stands of sugar maple, American beech, yellow birch, and other northern hardwoods. They are most likely found where these forests adjoin coniferous stands or where scattered conifers like white pine or hemlock rise above the canopy.
Elevated Sites
Blackburnian warblers prefer to breed at higher elevations. Search above 3,000 feet in the Appalachian Mountains, Adirondacks, Catskills, and northern New England. In the southeast, look for birds in the upper elevations of the Appalachian chain. The warblers also favor hills and ridges rather than valley floors.
Mature Forest Edges
Forest openings, natural gaps, and edges create a mosaic of dense cover and sunshine that Blackburnians thrive in. Places where mature forests meet wetlands, lakeshores, meadows, or reverting farmland are prime spots. Just focus skyward along the edges.
Pine Barrens
In the Northeast, pine barrens ecosystems with low vegetation and scattered tall pines are attractive to Blackburnians. Places like the New Jersey Pine Barrens and pine plains of Long Island hold breeding warblers. They are often detected by their song rather than sight in these low scrubby woods.
Boreal Forests
The southern edge of Canada’s boreal forest region provides excellent habitat, especially where spruce and tamarack predominate. In Alaska, Blackburnians are widespread but scattered breeders across the taiga and mixed forests.
Coastal Forests
In the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England, Blackburnians frequent mature oak-pine forests along the immediate coast. The warblers prefer areas with tall pines emerging from the oak canopy, allowing them to nest high up.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forests
In the southernmost parts of the Blackburnian’s range, they are mostly restricted to patches of pine-oak woodlands at high elevations. Search for them in the pine ridge forests of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains above 5,000 feet.
The Best Places to Find Blackburnian Warblers
Though widespread across eastern North America, the Blackburnian warbler reaches its highest densities in certain core breeding areas, particularly where extensive tracts of mature conifers exist. Here are some of the top places to spot Blackburnians:
Baxter State Park (Maine)
Maine’s Baxter State Park is famous for its deep, remote forests. Spruce-fir forests put on an excellent showing of Blackburnians. Matagamon Gate, South Branch Pond, and Katahdin Stream Campground are reliable spots.
Adirondack Mountains (New York)
The boreal-like forests of the Adirondacks host plentiful Blackburnians, especially in areas of mature hemlock and pine. Try Wilmington Notch, Whiteface Landing, and the forests surrounding Long, Schroon, and Paradox Lakes.
Catskill Mountains (New York)
The steep, unbroken forests rising from the Hudson River Valley provide fantastic habitat. Look for the birds at higher elevations on Slide, Panther, Blackhead, Windham, and Hunter Mountains.
Allegheny National Forest (Pennsylvania)
The mix of coniferous and northern hardwood forest produces reliable numbers of Blackburnians. Cherry Springs State Park, Hearts Content, and Minister Valley are prime birding areas.
Pocono Mountains (Pennsylvania)
The Poconos contain some of Pennsylvania’s best breeding habitat, particularly on State Game Lands like SGL 13 and 57. Focus on areas above 2,000 feet elevation.
Monongahela National Forest (West Virginia)
The cone-shaped spruces of this rugged forest are home to many Blackburnians. Dolly Sods Wilderness, Roaring Plains, and Cranberry Glades Botanical Area offer hotspots to find them.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina & Tennessee)
Though overall numbers are lower than up north, this southern citadel still harbors Blackburnians in its extensive fir-spruce and pine-oak forests above 4,000 feet in elevation.
White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire)
The rugged terrain and mix of boreal habitats attract Blackburnians. Areas like Franconia Notch, Kancamagus Highway, and the Presidential Range contain ideal habitat.
Northern Forest Canoe Trail (Vermont & New Hampshire)
This aquatic trail network connects tracts of northern coniferous forest. The Connecticut River section from Bloomfield, VT to Pittsburg, NH offers reliable sightings.
| Location | Key Habitat | Best Viewing Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Baxter State Park, ME | Spruce-fir forest | Matagamon Gate, South Branch Pond |
| Adirondack Mountains, NY | Hemlock & pine forest | Wilmington Notch, Whiteface Landing |
| Catskill Mountains, NY | High elevation forest | Slide, Panther, Hunter Mountains |
| Allegheny National Forest, PA | Conifer & hardwood mix | Cherry Springs SP, Hearts Content |
| Pocono Mountains, PA | Above 2,000′ elevation | SGL 13, SGL 57 |
| Monongahela National Forest, WV | Spruce forest | Dolly Sods, Roaring Plains |
| Great Smoky Mountains NP, NC & TN | Fir-spruce & pine-oak | Above 4,000′ elevation |
| White Mountain NF, NH | Boreal mix | Franconia Notch, Presidential Range |
| Northern Forest Canoe Trail, VT & NH | Northern conifers | Connecticut River |
Behaviors to Observe
To increase your chances of finding the well-hidden Blackburnian warbler, listen and watch for these distinct behaviors:
Look High in the Canopy
Blackburnians like to feed and nest very high up in tall mature trees, mainly 50 to 100 feet up. Scan far overhead in pines and hemlocks with binoculars to pinpoint movement. Their orange throat patches will stand out.
Listen for the Buzzing Song
The male’s song is very high-pitched, buzzy, and wheezy. It has been described as an electric or buzzing zipper sound. Listen for this diagnostic song coming from treetops to hone in.
Search Near Song Perches
Target prominent perches like the very top of a snag or dead treetop where the male Blackburnian sings repeatedly. He may fly to capture insects before returning to the same perch.
Follow Mixed Flocks
Outside the breeding season, Blackburnians join mixed flocks with other warblers, chickadees, nuthatches, and kinglets. Spotting flock movement and activity can lead you to a Blackburnian.
Pish to Attract
Try pishing, the sound made to attract curious birds in. Blackburnians may temporarily come in closer when they hear the kissing noise, improving visibility. But stay quiet once spotted.
Sweep the Understory
After nesting ends, Blackburnians drop down to lower levels in summer and early fall to join understory flocks. Carefully check lower foliage along edges.
Appearance and Song
Knowing the Blackburnian warbler’s appearance and song makes them easier to recognize in the field:
Bright Orange Throat (Male)
The male’s defining feature is his brilliant orange-red throat and face patch, contrasting sharply with his otherwise black head. This orange blaze is unmistakable.
Yellowish Chest (Female)
The female has yellow-orange on the throat and chest instead of the male’s flaming orange. Otherwise she is duller and lacks the male’s striking face pattern.
White Wing Bars
Both sexes have prominent white wing bars on a mostly black body. These wing patches are visible in flight and while flaring wings.
Olive Upperparts
Their backs are olive-green in color. In poor lighting, the olive sheen makes them appear more drab. The orange throat indicates male.
High, Buzzing Song
A very high, wheezy buzzing or electric zippering sound. Easily distinguished from lower, sweeter warbler songs. Carries far so often first clue.
Call Note
Call is a very high, thin “seep” note, unlike the songs of other warblers. Call note sounds higher and buzzier.
Aggressive Chips
Both sexes give a fast, sharp “chip” or “pit” call when aggravated or chasing other birds. This call indicates an alert and territorial Blackburnian.
Conclusion
The stunning Blackburnian warbler can be a challenging bird to track down due to its canopy-loving habits and far northern breeding range. However, by knowing when they migrate, seeking out their preferred mature coniferous and mixed forest habitats, listening for their distinct buzzy song, and looking high overhead, you can improve your chances of crossing paths with this special warbler. Some patience and persistence will likely be needed, but with the right approach you will hopefully glimpse the brilliance of the Blackburnian warbler.
