Palm Warbler: Connecticut Audubon Bird Finder for October 16

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

What it looks like: Palm Warbler has a chestnut crown, yellow eyebrow and throat, underparts streaked with chestnut, and yellow undertail coverts. There are two populations of Palm Warblers with the majority of those migrating through Connecticut having more yellow than the western forms. In the fall, adults and immature birds are duller and browner than in spring. Older birds tend to have more yellow on their undersides. Palm Warblers constantly bob their tails, which can be a good first indicator of what it is.

Where to find it: This is a widespread migrant that is easiest to find in the fall migration rather than the spring. They seem to linger longer feeding on the south bound migration. Check brushy fields and hedgerows, particularly areas with lots of goldenrod. They can be found in small flocks or mixed with migrating sparrows. The Bafflin Sanctuary surrounding our Center at Pomfret and any other natural areas with overgrown fields are good places to look.

How to find it: We get many Palm Warblers at the Center at Pomfret every autumn. Check the hedgerow along the driveway. Look along the edges of the fields across from the center, and any of the fields that have goldenrod. They are often feeding on the ground and sometimes feed in the flower beds out front. Other likely locations in Connecticut include Lighthouse Point Park, East Rock Park and West Rock Park, in New Haven; Silver Sands State Park, in Milford; and Allen’s Meadows, in Wilton. Palm Warblers show up around the last week of September and can be found until the end of October. Remember to look for the bobbing tail!

What if the bird isn’t there: Palm Warblers make use of the same habitat in migration as White-crowned, Swamp, and Savannah Sparrows. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, bluebirds, Yellow-Rumped Warblers, and various migrating hawks can be found in the same areas as well. Recently a Merlin and Peregrine Falcon were observed flying overhead!

Conservation Status: Palm Warbler populations are stable. They are considered a least concern species and fortunately are doing well.

This week’s Connecticut Audubon Society Bird Finder was written by Andy Rzeznikiewicz and edited by Tom Andersen

Photo by NeBirdsPlus, CarolinaBirds.org