Magnolia Warbler

Dendroica magnolia

Magnolia Warblers are often easier to see than many warblers due to their preference for small trees and shrubs.  This preference for smaller trees has helped it to avoid population losses due to habitat loss, as it can quickly adapt to second-growth forest.

Habitat: Generally shrubs or low trees during migration through the state.  

Diet: Mostly insects.  Occasionally may feed on fruit and berries.

Behavior: Forages by moving through foliage and gleaning insects, often at very low heights.  They will also sometimes act like flycatchers and take insects in mid-air.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.

Song: Magnolia Warbler Song, also Magnolia Warbler Call

Migration: Neotropical migrant, wintering in Mexico and Central America.  Breeds throughout much of Canada, the northeastern United States, and the extreme northern part of the U.S. Midwest.

Similar Species: Prairie Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Canada Warbler

Conservation Status: Stable and possibly even increasing in number.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Magnolia Warbler

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Magnolia Warbler"

3) eNature.com: Magnolia Warbler

Photo Information: May 19th, 2006 - USGS EROS Data Center grounds, Minnehaha County -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Magnolia Warbler photos.