Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca
Point Pelee, Ontario May 2005.

The Blackburnian Warbler breeds in the northeastern United States, parts of eastern Canada and throughout the Appalachian Mountains and winters mainly in northern South America and south in the Andes to Peru, but also in southern Central America. Generally it is thought to migrate mostly at night, with most birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico in springtime. It may progress rather slowly northward in spring, often moving only around a dozen miles per day.

In most parts of its breeding range, the Blackburnian Warbler nests in mature coniferous and mixed forest and often occurs in highest densities in old-growth forests. Coniferous trees, whether spruce, balsam fir, pine, or hemlock, are an essential habitat component throughout the species range. In winter it is found in high-altitude forests, woodlands, and plantations.

The species is one of the few Neotropical migrants that appears to be holding its own. Although there probably was a decline associated with the use of DDT and other pesticides from the 1940s to 1970s, the Breeding Bird Survey has shown a significant overall increase in population since 1966, though too few are recorded to determine local trends in most areas. The trend is significantly positive in the northern spruce-hardwoods region; but there is some cause for concern in the aspen parkland region, where numbers seem to be declining. Further declines throughout the species’ breeding range are anticipated as a result of increased rates of deforestation on the winter grounds in recent years.
(Adapted in part from www.borealbirds.org: Blackburnian Warbler)

 

 

 

 

 

All photographs © Charlie Moores