Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

Kentucky Warbler
Kentucky Warbler Kentucky Warbler Kentucky Warbler Kentucky Warbler Kentucky Warbler
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyParulidae
HabitatDense, moist forest understory
SeasonSpring and fall migrant; summer breeder in East Texas
LocationDos Vacas Muertas Sanctuary, Galveston, Texas, Galveston County, Texas
Size5 inches
DietInsects and spiders from the forest floor
ConservationLeast Concern (IUCN)
CameraNikon Z9Lens400mmAperturef/5Shutter1/500ISO800
Kentucky Warbler on spring migration at Dos Vacas Muertas.

About the Kentucky Warbler

The Kentucky Warbler is a bold yellow warbler with olive upperparts and a black mask that curves down from the eye like sideburns, set off by bright yellow spectacles. It spends its life low in thick, shady woods.

It forages on or near the ground, flipping leaves and walking rather than hopping. Males sing a loud, rolling churry-churry-churry that carries through the forest, but the bird itself often stays hidden in dense cover.

On the Texas coast it is a highlight of spring migration. These photographs come from Dos Vacas Muertas Sanctuary on Galveston Island on April 13, 2023, during a strong day of spring migrants.

Want to see a Kentucky Warbler in the wild?
Join one of my guided birding tours! Fine art prints of my photos are also available.

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