Chestnut-sided Warbler

The Chestnut-sided Warbler is a very active warbler that is often seen foraging quite low in the foliage.  They are one species that has greatly benefited from man's alteration of the North American landscape, as they prefer the type of second-growth shrubby forest that is often found after forest clear-cuts regenerate.   Note the picture on the right shows a male.  Females are much less strongly marked.

Habitat: Found in shrubby woodlands and thickets during migration through the state.  Prefers shrubby second-growth forest for breeding, such as in areas of regenerating forest clear-cuts.

Diet: Primarily insects, occasionally berries and fruits.

Behavior: Generally forages at low to mid levels in forest and shrubs, hopping from branch to branch, and occasionally hovering or flying out to catch flying insects.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Chestnut-sided Warbler Song

Migration: Neotropical migrant, summering in southern Canada and in the northern and southern U.S.  Winters in Central and South America.

Interactive eBird Map: Click for access to an interactive eBird map of Chestnut-sided Warbler sightings

Similar Species: Bay-breasted Warbler

Conservation Status: Probably more common now than before settlement of the continent, because of the increased second-growth forest that results from clear-cutting.  Some evidence of decline in recent decades, however.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Chestnut-sided Warbler

2) WhatBird - Chestnut-sided Warbler

3) Audubon Guide - Chestnut-sided Warbler

Photo Information: May 22nd, 2008 - Minnehaha County, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

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

 

Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view

South Dakota Status: Uncommon migrant in the eastern half of the state, casual in the western part.  There are also a few summer records in the Black Hills.

Additional Chestnut-sided Warbler Photos
Click for a higher-resolution version of these photos