Blackpoll Warbler

NT - Near Threatened

N5B - Secure Breeding

SNA - Not applicable

not listed

The black cap and plump shape of the breeding male are similar to the Black-capped Chickadee, but the similarity ends there. The throat and cheek are white and divided by a black “chin” stripe. The back is olive-gray with black streaks. The underparts are white and have black streaking. The wings have two white wing bars. The legs are orangish-yellow. Non-breeding males and females have an olive-yellow head and upper parts and a yellow “eyebrow”.

5″ to 5½″ in length

9″ wingspan

Stunted coniferous trees and shrubs in mature forests and on open fens and bogs

Early May to early June and late August to early October

Mostly insects and spiders, but also fruit during migration

Uncommon to sometimes common migrant

Although this species is abundant, the population has been crashing. Partners in Flight estimates that the number of individuals has decreased 92% since 1970. In 2018, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species upgraded this species’ status from Least Concern to Near Threatened. It is not listed in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union All Seasons Species Occurrence Map

In 2011 all of the wood warblers were reclassified resulting in new genus names for almost all of them. The genus Dendroica, with 29 members, was merged with the genus Setophaga, with just 3 members. All of the former Dendroica species have been renamed to Setophaga.

Blackpoll Warbler, formerly Dendroica striata, is now Setophaga striata.