ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Kentucky Warbler
 

 Kentucky Warbler

Kentucky warbler

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

Kentucky Warbler
Oporornis formosus

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 12-13 days

• Clutch Size: 4-5 eggs

• Young Fledge: 8-10 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects and fruit
Description
The Kentucky warbler is colored olive-brown on the back with a completely yellow breast. The most distinguishing marks are the black forecrown and sides of the throat -- forming a mustache shape --and the bright yellow spectacles.

Habitat and Habits
The Kentucky warbler is attracted to the moist woodlands of southern Ohio; where it is an uncommon summer resident. It lives near the ground in wooded ravines and swamp borders that have thick, luxuriant undergrowth. This species sounds a bit like an ovenbird, but it has a more flat, monotone delivery. The song is a loud churry, churry, churry.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The four to five brown-spotted white eggs are found in a nest of dead leaves and grass placed on or near the ground.