"Bird of the Month" Profiles:

Canada Warbler
(Wilsonia canadensis)

Length: 5 inches
Wingspan: 8 inches
Weight: 10 grams
Diet: Insects

The Canada Warbler spends less time on the breeding grounds than most species, being one of the last to arrive and first to depart; the total time on the breeding grounds may be no more than two months. It migrates at night, rapidly and synchronously, seldom being found anywhere for more than three weeks.  Despite observations of pairs traveling together, males generally arrive slightly ahead of females. 

The migration path is generally south and west to the Texas coast, then along the Gulf Coast to southern Mexico.  From there birds move inland to the mountains (mostly adults?) or cross over to the Pacific (mostly young?) and continue south to the winter grounds in northwestern South America, arriving in late September to early October. 

The winter range extends around the northern and western side of the Andean crest from western Guyana to northwestern Bolivia.  Spring migration is also late and compressed, beginning late March to mid-April.  Peak passage as far south as Panamá may be as late as early May.  Populations in the western part of the winter range may cross the Pacific to southern Mexico in spring and most birds seem to cross North American farther east in spring than in fall.

(Birding content courtesy of Boreal Songbird Initiative & eNature)

Range and Migration Map

Arrows represent general migration routes. The arrows do not necessarily link specific breeding and wintering grounds.

The following shade-grown varieties of COFFEE FOR THE BIRDS™ help to preserve winter habitat for this species:

• Peru
• Boreal Blend™