MacGillivray's Warbler is a
close relative of the Mourning Warbler,
generally taking it's ecological niche in the western part of the
continent. They can be locally abundant during migration through the
western United States, especially in the Southwest U.S. They often skulk
low among dense thickets except during the breeding season, when males will
often sing exuberantly from a high exposed perch.
the summer breeding season, they prefer thickets and dense forest undergrowth,
usually near clearings or forest edges, and along stream bottoms. They can
often be found in burned areas or short brushy second-growth forest. They
are also usually found in forest undergrowth during the winter in the tropics.
feeds on insects, but will also take spiders and occasionally worms. They
also are known to feed at sapsucker drill wells.
Behavior: Forages in brush and forest undergrowth,
typically close to the ground, looking for insects in the foliage.
Will also hop around on the ground in pursuit of insects.
Nesting: June and July
Song: Usually a 2-part song, with 3 to 5 short
notes followed by 2 or 3 notes at a lower pitch.
throughout much of the western United States and western Canada. Winters
in Mexico and Central America.
Conservation Status: Populations have evidently
declined slightly in recent decades.
South Dakota Hotspot: MacGillivray's Warblers breed in the Black
Hills, and can often be found in the Spearfish Canyon area.
Cornell University's "All About Birds - MacGillivray's Warbler"
Photo Information: May 28th, 2004 -- Little Spearfish Creek -- Scott