Species BirdsBlack-and-white Warbler

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

CommonBird
Illustration of Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)

The Black-and-white Warbler behaves like a nuthatch, creeping along tree trunks and large branches and probing bark crevices for insects with its slightly curved bill — an unusual foraging style among warblers. Its crisp black-and-white streaked plumage and high, thin 'weesy weesy weesy' song make it distinctive. It is one of the earliest warbler migrants, arriving in the Northeast in late April.

Habitat
Deciduous and mixed forests with mature trees
Diet
Insects, spiders, and bark-dwelling invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a Black-and-white Warbler

The best time to see a Black-and-white Warbler is April–August, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 30,708 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Black-and-white Warbler sightings near you

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