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.
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.
Not certain it is a Black-and-white Warbler? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black-and-white Warbler sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Black-and-white Warbler?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.