North American Bird Search Box
This search box can be used to find bird species using bird's english, french or latin name, or to identify bird by its 4 letter Alpha Code
Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Bay-breasted Warbler
4 Letter (english names) Alpha Code: BBWA (1)
Paruline à poitrine baie
Setophaga castanea
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Species: The Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea) is one of the more attractive birds among the warbler family. It has suffered in decreasing numbers because of spraying programs that target the spruce budworms. This is its main source of food when on its breeding territory. It prefers coniferous forests but can also be found in deciduous forests.
Distinctions: When seen in breeding plumage, the male has a distinguished look. Chestnut-coloured crown, flanks and upper breast, black mask covering the eyes. The side of the neck, stomach and undertail show warm coloured beige tones. Brown to brownish-green back and wings. Showing two strong white wingbars. Female looks similar to male but in a much duller appearance. Both male and female transform into totally different looks when seen in non-breeding plumage. As it is similar to the Blackpoll Warbler, it can be difficult to differentiate. Both sexes are brownish-green over all and the male may have a hint of chestnut seen on its flanks
Voice: Chipping call, high pitch multiple notes, sounds like tees-teesi-teesi-teesi, continuous calling.
Nesting: Three to five off-white coloured eggs with brown or black markings. Size of the brood depends on the abundance of the spruce budworm. It nests in conifer trees, ranging in height from 10 to 20 feet from the ground, and nests are composed of fine grasses, leaves and hair.
Life, Habitat & Pictures of the North American Warblers
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5" 14cm | 9" 23cm | 0.45oz 12.8g | Parulidae | Setophaga castanea |
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
Distribution: Found from the western regions of Newfoundland, through the lower 2/3rd of the Canadian provinces, from Quebec into Alberta, north into the Northwest Territories, touching into the Yukon, bordering the US states through the Great Lakes, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Reference to Other Bird Site:
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.