Episode 56: Tennessee Warbler – Voice of the Wild

This is Brodie with Illinois Extension and I’m here with a new “voice of the wild”

This singer is a drab warbler, largely yellow green with a lighter underside. They’re absent nearly all distinctive markings save for a faint line across the eye and a somewhat distinctly pointed bill. The spring plumage males deviate from this understated outfit only slightly; The feathers on their head turn a festive grey.

This is the Tennessee warbler

The Tennessee warbler is one of the more common wood warblers and, at least for a few weeks in May, their three parted song is nearly omnipresent. They sing incessantly and very loudly, often from high in the forest canopy. This can be a little trying for birders, beginners and experts alike, who are trying to hear other warblers. But don’t forget, as insistent and as they are now, they’ll be gone by June so enjoy them while they’re here. Here’s the Tennessee warbler again.

Thank you to the Macaulay library at the Cornell lab for today’s sound. Learn more about voice of the wild at go.illinois.edu/VOW