Rare Hermit Warbler Visits from the West

By Milan Bull, Senior Director of Science and Conservation
A rare Hermit Warbler was found in Barkhamsted in February 2016. This western wood-warbler is unmistakable with a bright lemon-yellow face, a grey, streaked back and whitish underparts.

Interesting facts: Although a fairly common western species, the Hermit Warbler has been recorded sporadically in the East and at least once in New Haven. Well out of habitat here in Connecticut, Hermit Warblers are typically found in western coniferous forests, usually in the tops of the tallest trees (like Douglas Fir) and is most often identified by its song, a rapid ze ze ze ze ze zeee!

Sometimes Hermit Warblers hybridize with the western Townsend’s Warbler in the Pacific Northwest where their ranges tend to overlap; the female Hermits preferring to mate with the male Townsends.

Conservation status: The IUCN lists the Hermit Warbler as Least Concern, however, because of its small range and specialized habitat, this warbler is considered vulnerable.

Photo taken in Oregon by Frode Jacobsen/Carolinabirds.org.