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Warblers, with their brilliantly colored feathers, are the tiny jewels of Ohio's bird families. They are very active -- constantly flittering around. Most are yellow with black-and-white markings. Their plumage varies considerably from spring to fall, juvenile to adult, and male to female. The tail is square, often with white markings. Warblers feed almost entirely on insects gleaned from leaves and twigs with their slender bills. Members of this family abound in any Ohio woodland or brushy area during the spring and fall migration seasons. In spring, their buzzlike songs (not warbling) fill the air with a delightful chorus.
Listen
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Black and White Warbler
Mniotilta varia
At-a-Glance
• Peak Breeding Activity: April-August
• Incubation: 10-12 days
• Clutch Size: 4-5 eggs
• Young Fledge: 8-12 days after hatching
• Typical Foods: insects that are gleaned from trunks and limbs of trees |
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Description
This warbler is easily identified -- it is black-and-white striped all over, including the top of the head.
Habitat and Habits
Mature woodlands are the habitat for this fairly common summer resident. Its habit of creeping up and down tree trunks and around large limbs in search of insects (like a woodpecker or nuthatch) is peculiar to this warbler. Its song is a wispy, high-pitched weetsee-weetsee-weetsee that is easily overlooked.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
The nest is built on the ground at the base of a tree or stump. It is constructed of leaves and grass, then lined with hair or down, holding the four or five purple-spotted white eggs. |
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