The Bay-breasted Warbler is a large, stocky warbler that irrupts north in large numbers during spruce budworm outbreaks, which supercharge its food supply. Breeding males are dramatically colored with chestnut crown, throat, and flanks. In fall, it becomes one of the most difficult warblers to identify, becoming olive-green and resembling the Blackpoll Warbler.
Best time to see a Bay-breasted Warbler
The best time to see a Bay-breasted Warbler is May–September, when about 80% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,365 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Bay-breasted Warbler? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Bay-breasted Warbler sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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