The Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) is a small passerine bird measuring approximately 5.5 to 6.3 inches in length and weighing between 0.3 to 0.4 ounces. Their wingspan ranges from 7.9 to 8.7 inches. Pine Warblers have a yellowish-green back, wings, and tail with streaks of olive-brown, and their underparts are a paler yellow color. They have a distinctive thin and pointed bill, and their legs and feet are dark gray. Pine Warblers have white eyerings and a dark stripe that runs through their eyes.
The Pine Warbler is a migratory bird that breeds in the southeastern United States, typically from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas. During the winter months, they can be found in the southern United States, including Florida, and as far south as Central America. Pine Warblers prefer to inhabit pine forests, where they can be found foraging for insects and spiders among the pine needles and cones.
Pine Warblers are often seen flitting from branch to branch in the upper canopy of pine trees. They have a distinctive high-pitched trill that they use to communicate with other members of their species. During the breeding season, males will also sing a series of musical notes to attract a mate.
One of the best ways to identify a Pine Warbler is by their unique song and call. Their song is a series of musical notes that rise in pitch and are often described as sounding like “trill-trees-trees-trees.” Their call is a sharp, high-pitched “tseep” sound. Additionally, their yellowish-green coloration, thin pointed bill, and white eyerings are distinctive field marks that can help birders identify this species.
Overall, the Pine Warbler is a small but distinctive songbird that can be found in pine forests throughout the southeastern United States. Its unique song and call, combined with its yellowish-green coloration and other distinguishing field marks, make it a fun bird to spot and identify for birdwatchers of all skill levels.