How to Know the Difference Between a Spring Warbler and a Fall Warbler

Spring warblers sport bright colors before they turn colorless in the fall.

There are many different types of birds that fall under the category of warblers. Spring and all warblers are still the same species, as are "Wood Warblers." The plumage on the birds changes with the season, making it a challenge to identify them. A warbler in the spring will look much different than it did in the fall.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Binoculars
• Bird guide book

1. Check the season. Spring warblers arrive in March and April and are abundant in May. Most fall warblers arrive in September and October, although some migrate in late July and August. They migrate to North America for breeding from their winter home in South and Central America.

2. Look at the plumage on the bird. In the fall, the plumage will be drab and often colorless. Spring warblers have colorful plumage to attract a mate. Male warblers have the most colorful feathers in yellows, greens, oranges, blues and reds. Spring warblers will migrate in groups with 15 or more types in one group. They are commonly named after their colors and markings. Some of these include Common Yellowthroat, Black and White Warbler, Black Throated Green Warbler and Yellow Rumped Warbler.

3. Check the field marks on the birds. Many varieties have markings that are specific to their kind. These markings are on the eyes, chest, wings, tail feathers and underside of the birds. The field marks are essential to identifying fall warblers since they lose much of their color from the spring.

4. Listen to the calls the birds make. In the fall all varieties sound very similar. In the spring, the male warblers have a high pitched sing-song call to help attract a mate. This is the easiest way to tell males and females apart in the spring.

5. Look at the shape of the birds. Spring and fall warblers vary in size and shape according to their specific kind. This doesn't change with the seasons as the colors do. For example, a Common Yellowthroat, the most common warbler seen in the spring, will keep its small frame and straight beak even after its feathers lose their brilliant yellow color.

References

• E Bird: Tricky Fall Warblers
• Hilton Pond: Welcome Warblers
• Wild Birds Unlimited: Spring Warbler
• Stokes Birds at Home: Spring Warbler Migration

Resources

• All About Birds: Yellow Warbler