Black and White Warbler – 5/7/24

Observer: Barry Dulong

Observation Date: 5/7/24

Observation Time: 1:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary – Tower Trail (halfway up)

Common Name: Black-and-white warbler

Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia

Comments: I did not get a photo of the black and white warbler, but it was clear as day and was not a blackpoll warbler, which looks similar but has a solid black cap. I’d never seen a black and white warbler before, so I was very excited to see it. It was behaving like a nuthatch clinging to the tree trunk and hopping around looking for bugs. It was not making any sounds.  I was hoping it would call or sing but it just hopped around and eventually flew off and I continued my run. 

I am a trail runner/ birder. I was running at the time when I stopped to listen about halfway up the tower trail. I did not have a camera with me. When I am birding I usually only have my binoculars, so I don’t have a camera with me, but I am shopping for one now. 

Black and white warblers make a high-pitched squeaking sound like a turning wheel that needs to be oiled. They are most often found scurrying up and down tree trunks and branches looking under the bark for insect larvae.

More Information: All About Birds

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