ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Black-throated Green Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Photo by Jim McCormac

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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Dendroica virens

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 12 days

• Clutch Size: 4-5 eggs

• Young Fledge: 8-10 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects

Description
Warblers are active, brightly colored birds with thin pointed bills. The male of this species has a bright yellow face that is framed by a black throat and olive-green crown. The female is also recognized by the yellow face, but there is much less black on the throat.

Habitat and Habits
Migrants frequent all types of woodlands, but breeders require cool, steep-sided gorges that are dominated by hemlock trees. The distinctive buzzy zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee of the black-throated green warbler rings out from our woodlands beginning in early April. This is a common migrant, but is much rarer as a nester because they require large hemlock gorges; not a common Ohio habitat.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The nest is a cup of grass, moss, and plant fibers, lined with hair and feathers. It is usually placed in the branches of a conifer.