Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga magnolia
The Magnolia Warbler is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during spring and autumn, particularly in the southern and eastern regions, often in woodland edges and gardens. It is a notable species due to its vibrant plumage and distinctive song, making it a prized sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Magnolia Warbler in the field.
The Magnolia Warbler can be identified by its bright yellow breast, white wing bars, and a distinctive black necklace across its chest, as well as its grey back and white underside. Its head features a grey crown, white eye-ring, and a black stripe through the eye.
The Magnolia Warbler is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 10-12 cm in length, making it a compact and energetic bird to spot.
The male Magnolia Warbler has a striking plumage, featuring a grey back, white underside, and a bright yellow breast, with a black necklace across its chest and white wing bars, with the colours being more vibrant during the breeding season.
The female Magnolia Warbler has a similar plumage to the male, although the colours are slightly duller, with a less pronounced black necklace and less vibrant yellow on the breast.
The Magnolia Warbler's call is a sharp, high-pitched "weet-weet-weet" or "tsee-tsee-tsee", while its song is a series of rapid, musical phrases, often described as a lively and melodic tune.
The Magnolia Warbler is an active and agile bird, often seen flitting between branches and flying in a rapid, darting motion, as it forages for insects and spiders in the foliage, frequently hovering in front of leaves to catch its prey.
The Magnolia Warbler can be confused with other warbler species, such as the Yellow Warbler or the Chestnut-sided Warbler, but can be distinguished by its distinctive black necklace and white wing bars, as well as its grey back and white underside.
Quick Facts
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