Blackpoll warbler

In late May, when the boreal forest is still waking up, the thin, high-pitched song of the blackpoll warbler drifts through the spruce. The breeding male wears a crisp black cap, white cheeks, and a streaked back, and he is a small bird with a big journey ahead of him.

Blackpolls are famous for one of the great migrations of any songbird. In fall they fatten up along the Atlantic coast and then fly non-stop over the open ocean toward South America, a trip of more than two thousand kilometres. They breed in the northern spruce forests, and in Manitoba most people see them as they pass through in spring and fall.

What I love is how a tiny blackpoll warbler, with its crisp black cap and white cheek, makes one of the longest migrations of any songbird.

Curious about the blackpoll warbler and its habitat? Learn more on its page at All About Birds.

Blackpoll warbler Manitoba sightings

Where and when you can find the blackpoll warbler in Manitoba depends on the season and the habitat. You can see more species in the Manitoba birds section.

Map of Manitoba showing where the blackpoll warbler nests and migrates, with major cities and lakes — Where to look for the blackpoll warbler in Manitoba through the seasons: nesting in the Taiga Shield, the Hudson Plains, and the Southern Arctic (gold) and passing through the Boreal Shield, the Boreal Plains, and the Prairies in spring and fall (lilac). Habitat regions: National Ecological Framework for Canada. Boundaries: Statistics Canada. Lakes: Natural Earth.

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Blackpoll warbler

Blackpoll warbler Manitoba sightings

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