Connecticut Warbler

Overview

Connecticut Warbler: Large ground-walking warbler, olive-gray upperparts, dull yellow underparts. Head has a slate-gray hood and bold white eye-ring. Legs are bright pink-red. It was named for the state where it was first discovered, where it is an uncommon migrant. Sometimes called Swamp Warbler.

Range and Habitat

Connecticut Warbler: Breeds from eastern British Columbia east through central Canada to western Quebec, and south to northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Spends winters in the tropics. Preferred habitats include open larch-spruce bogs. Found in low wet woods and damp thickets during migration.

INTERESTING FACTS

Little information is known, as this is a rarely-seen bird, and has not been subjected to many observational studies.
The nineteenth century ornithologist, Alexander Wilson, named the bird for Connecticut because that's where he first saw the bird, probably during migration.
A group of Connecticut Warblers are collectively known as a "skulk" and a "yankee" of warblers.

The Connecticut Warbler, despite its name, is not native or a frequent visitor to the state in North America. This small songbird only measures a mere 15 cm at adulthood. They like to breed in bogs and deciduous forests situated near fresh water supplies. The Connecticut Warbler has a special affinity for the poplar and aspen forests in central Canada and the Great Lakes region. Nests are built on the ground, but are well-hidden in moss and grass. During the winter months, the Connecticut Warbler migrates to the Amazon River region in South America. This species forages among dead leaves and branches on the ground for insects, seeds and berries. The conservation rating of the Connecticut Warbler is Least Concern.