A medium-sized (5 ¼ -6 inches) wood warbler, the male Connecticut Warbler is most easily identified by its olive back, yellow breast, gray head and throat, and conspicuous white eye-ring. The female is similar to the male, but is somewhat duller, particularly on the head and breast. This species may be distinguished from the similar-looking Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) by the fact that the latter species lacks a eye-ring and has (in the male) a large black neck patch. The Connecticut Warbler breeds in a limited area in south-central Canada and the north-central United States. This species is a long-distance migrant, wintering in northern South America. Migrating Connecticut Warblers follow the Mississippi River north in spring, returning south along the Atlantic seaboard. Connecticut Warblers breed in a number of semi-open woodland habitats, including deciduous forests and bogs with spruce and tamarack trees. In winter, this species inhabits clearings and edges of humid tropical forests. Connecticut Warblers primarily eat small invertebrates, such as insects and spiders, but may also eat fruits and berries. Due to this species’ preference for heavily vegetated habitats, Connecticut Warblers are much more easily heard than seen. Birdwatchers may listen for this species’ “chip-chup-ee” song, or may attempt to observe it foraging for insects deep in the undergrowth. Connecticut Warblers are primarily active during the day, but, like many migratory songbirds, this species migrates at night.
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Bibliographic Citation: Rumelt, Reid B. Oporornis agilis. June-July 2012. Brief natural history summary of Oporornis agilis. Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
