Warblers, tanagers and grosbeaks

Family Parulidae

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla

Late April - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant. Fairly common summer resident in the Shawnee Hills. Locally uncommon summer resident in the Floodplains and the Till Plain.

Habitat: Mature deciduous woodland. Typically breeds on flat-topped ridges of hills in rolling terrain, but may also use wide valleys and gently sloping hillsides. Does not necessarily require deciduous canopy. Quite numerous in pine stands in the southeastern Shawnee National Forest in Pope and Johnson Counties.

Records and remarks: The loud explosive song uttered by this ground-foraging warbler advertises its presence. The song increases in volume as it progresses, which is distinctive. 

SPRING—Most begin arriving after 20 April. Migration peaks between the last few days of April and 15 May. Detection of departure dates is obscured by the presence of the breeding population. Typical daily high counts are of less than a dozen birds.

1, Pomona, 12 Apr 2014 (KM)

1, Pope Co., 14 Apr 1992 (TF)

3, Fort Massac SP, Massac Co., 14 Apr 2002 (KM)

SUMMER—The breeding distribution is spotty, and clusters of territories move around from year to year. Many sites that appear to be "good" Ovenbird habitat lack breeders. Although nests are well hidden under a dome of dead leaves on the ground, seven of nine nests in the Shawnee Hills were parasitized by cowbirds (INHS). Eggs have been found as soon as early May, and fledglings have been found in late July. Historic strongholds for Ovenbirds during summer are northern Pope County and the forests in western Union and Jackson Counties.

AUTUMN—Found along forest edge in thickets, where they forage on and near the ground. Daily high counts usually do not exceed five or six birds. Migrants begin arriving at least by late August. Most Ovenbirds have departed by 10 October.

1 banded, Carbondale, 23 Aug 1970 (VK)

5, Fort Massac SP, 27 Sep 1998 (FB)

1, Carbondale, 20 Oct 1971 (VK)

Documentation: Specimen—male, Carbondale, Jackson Co., 22 May 1958 (SIU A-744).

Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum

Mid-April - Mid-September

Status and abundance: Common migrant and summer resident in the Shawnee Hills. Rare migrant and summer resident in the Floodplains and the Till Plain.

Habitat: Breeds on steep slopes of upland forest. Migrants may also use woodlots and bottomland forest.

Records and remarks: Worm-eating Warblers forage from ground to canopy levels within extensive tracts of forest. Contrary to their name, they do not consume many "worms," but they eat lots of caterpillars and spiders. Most of their foraging time is concentrated in the shrub and understory layer where they specialize on gathering prey hidden inside dead, curled leaves that are suspended above the ground (the "aerial leaf litter"). They do this either by pinching the outside of the curled leaves and madly pursuing any frightened insect that evacuates, or by peering into an opening and extracting prey. 

Worm-eating Warber song is a flat, thin trill that is similar to, but less mechanical than, a Chipping Sparrow song.

SPRING—Singing males arrive soon after 20 April, occasionally earlier. Peak passage of migrants is difficult to discern, because there is a small breeding population north of southern Illinois and a large one in this region. Most migrants have probably departed, however, by mid-May. Daily counts of twenty or more birds are typical in the Shawnee Hills. Elsewhere, more than two is unusual.

1, LaRue Pine Hills, 7 Apr 2006 (KM)

1, Atwood Ridge, Union Co., 10 Apr 2005 (KM)

male, Giant City SP, 18 Apr 1989 (WDR)

3, Johnson Co., 23 Apr 1988 (TF)

SUMMER—Nests are placed on the ground, under a drift of dead leaves that has accumulated on the upslope side of the base of a sapling or other plant. Nest building begins soon after first arrival in late April, and egg laying is underway by early May. Nests with eggs have been found throughout May and June. Although nests are well hidden, nest predation rates are very high in the Shawnee Hills; only about 40 percent of nests produce fledglings (INHS). The high parasitism rate (44 percent of thirty-nine nests) is also surprising given the inconspicuous nature of the nests (INHS). Adults lead fledglings to nearby areas of dense cover, such as treefall gaps. Adults with fledglings exhibit a bold distraction display when their young are endangered. I once followed an adult feigning injury for a few meters and then turned and walked in exactly the opposite direction. Within a few steps, I found a Worm-eating Warbler fledgling that was fresh out of the nest. The adult flew by me to near the fledgling, landed on the ground, spread its wings, and then charged toward me before making physical contact and climbing up my leg. Although it did not draw blood, it did continue to explain in no uncertain terms that I was expected to leave.

AUTUMN—Fall migration is unremarkable. Some birds wander away from breeding areas even during midsummer, but most migration is probably not under way until late July or August. Few birds are encountered after 1 September.

1, Bumgard Island, Alexander Co., 1 Jul 1988 (WDR)

1 banded, Carbondale, 3 Aug 1970 (VK)

1, Pomona, 7 Sep 2005 (RR)

2, near Woodlawn, Jefferson Co., 10 Sep 1988 (TF, WDR)

1, Ozark, Johnson Co., 3 Oct 1993 (TF)

Documentation: Specimen—ad. female, 2 miles n. of Pomona, Jackson Co., 7 July 1966 (SIU A-1397).

Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla

Late March – Early September

Status and abundance: Common migrant and summer resident in the Shawnee Hills. Uncommon migrant and summer resident in the Floodplains and the Till Plain.

Habitat: Most numerous along rocky creeks in upland deciduous forest, but also found along muddy streams in bottomland forest and in cypress swamps.

Records and remarks: The loud, ringing song of this warbler marks the arrival of spring. Waterthrushes forage for invertebrates by walking alongside streams and picking prey from shallow water, leaf surfaces, or the ground. They also tug submerged dead leaves out of the water to reveal hidden prey. The body and tail teeter as the bird walks. Can be confused with Northern Waterthrush, so observers should take care with identification, especially during late fall when most Louisiana Waterthrushes are in Central America.

SPRING—Males regularly arrive during the last week of March. 

1, Massac Co., 12 Mar 2001 (FB)

1, LaRue Pine Hills, 14 Mar 2012 (KM)

1, Giant City SP, 22 Mar 1990 (WDR)

16 males, Giant City SP, 29 Mar 1989 (WDR)

SUMMER—Nest sites are selected by both members of a pair. Nests are built under upturned tree roots or in cavities of stream banks. W. D. Robinson (1990) gives additional details on reproductive behavior.

15, Little Black Slough, Johnson Co., 24 May 1989 (TF, WDR)

AUTUMN—Fall migration is very inconspicuous. Most birds have departed breeding territories by late July, and few are encountered past the middle of August. 

1, Carbondale, 9 Aug 1970 (VK)

1, Giant City SP, 19 Aug 2015 (HD)

1, Union Co. CA, 3 Sep 1988 (WDR)

Documentation: Specimen--female, 3 miles w. of Alto Pass, Union Co., 16 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1374).

Northern Waterthrush  Parkesia noveboracensis

Mid-April - Mid-May

Late August - Early October

Status and abundance: Common spring migrant. Uncommon fall migrant.

Habitat: Moist bottomland forest, often near standing water. Also, wooded thickets near streams, particularly during fall.

Records and remarks: Northern Waterthrush is a migrant species easily confused with the breeding species, Louisiana Waterthrush. Louisiana Waterthrush has a larger bill, cleaner white underparts with an unstreaked white throat, brighter pink legs, and a distinctly different song. Call notes are similar but can be distinguished with sufficient experience. Northern Waterthrush is usually found more often at the edges of stagnant pools of water, whereas Louisiana Waterthrushes prefer flowing water. Exceptions do occur, so identification should be based on fieldmarks not habitat.

SPRING—Migrants often begin arriving a few days after 15 April. Peak numbers are present from the last few days of April through 10 May, after which date most birds have departed.

1, Mermet Lake, 8 Apr 2001 (FB)

1, Oakwood Bottoms, 13 Apr 2016 (KM)

1 Crab Orchard NWR, 15 Apr 1985 (JCR)

49, Massac Co., 5 May 1984 (WDR)

male, near Thebes, Alexander Co., 21 May 1988 (WDR)

AUTUMN—Migrants are much less noticeable in fall than during spring, because they do not sing. The chip note is explosive and distinctive, which helps with detection. Maximum daily counts are usually less than six birds.

1 banded, Carbondale, 23 Aug 1970 (VK)

3, Rend Lake, 24 Aug 1985 (RP)

1, Marion, 9 Oct 2015 (KRo)

1 banded, Carbondale, 11 Oct 1970 (VK)

Documentation: Photograph—imm., Grimsby, Jackson Co., 28 Aug 1972 (SIU AP-uncatalogued).

[Bachman's Warbler  Vermivora bachmanii]

Status and abundance: Hypothetical.

Records and remarks: We have at least two published reports of this extinct warbler. A male observed at Crab Orchard NWR on 25 April 1951 (LB) is probably a valid record, but no documentary details were preserved (George 1968). Another male, viewed briefly and heard singing from a thicket near Cache, Alexander Co., on 20 Jul 1958, was discounted by the observers themselves based in part on the brevity of the sighting (Graber et al. 1983).

Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera

Late April - Mid-May

Late August - Late September

Status and abundance: Uncommon spring migrant. Occasional fall migrant.

Habitat: Deciduous woods and woodland edge.

Records and remarks: Golden-winged Warblers forage in the understory or lower canopy of forests, but are often overlooked because their song is not very loud. Although they are found in both bottomland and upland forest, they seem to be more numerous in upland forest. Hybridizes with Blue-winged Warbler to produce distinctively plumaged forms of two “types”: Lawrence’s and Brewster’s. In addition, because the hybrids are fertile, many intermediate combinations between the two first-generation hybrids also exist. 

SPRING—Typically, less than six birds are seen in a day, even during peak passage in early May. The first arrivals are usually detected during the last few days of April, and most birds have departed by 15 May.

1, Saline Co., 21 Apr 1995 (JD)

1, Fort Massac SP, 22 Apr 2007 (KM)

1, se. Jackson Co., 23 Apr 1989 (WDR)

1 female, Ft. Kaskaskia SP, Randolph Co., 23 May 1973 (VK)

1, Trail of Tears SF, 28 May 1992 (TRR)

AUTUMN—Very inconspicuous during fall migration. Usually encountered in small mixed-species flocks of warblers foraging along forest edge. Peak numbers probably pass through the region in early September. Daily high counts are usually 5 or fewer birds.

1, Saline Co. CA, 18 Aug 1987 (WDR)

1, Pinckneyville, Perry Co., 24 Aug 1987 (TF)

8, Massac Co., 7 Sep 2003 (FB)

1 banded, Carbondale, 27 Sep 1971 (VK)

1 “Lawrence’s” hybrid, Fort Massac SP, 27 Sep 1988 (FB)

Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 3 May 1966 (SIU A-1355).

Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora cyanoptera

Mid-April - Mid-September

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant and locally fairly common summer resident in the Shawnee Hills. Uncommon migrant and locally uncommon summer resident in the Floodplains

and the Till Plain.

Habitat: Shrubby old fields.

Records and remarks: Very local. They can be quite common where extensive areas of early successional deciduous growth is present, but away from that habitat, they are rarely encountered. Most of the time, the familiar Zeeee-bzzzz song is heard, but male blue-wings also sing at least three other types of songs, which can even be quite confusing for experienced listeners (Graber et al. 1983). Blue-winged Warblers occasionally hybridize with Golden-winged Warblers: a Brewster's Warbler was seen at Crab Orchard NWR on 6 May 1953 (LB).

SPRING—The first arrivals are usually males singing their distinctive song. In most years, the first birds are detected after 15 April. Migration probably extends into mid-May, but the presence of the breeding population obscures the migration patterns. Daily high counts are usually 6 or fewer birds.

1, Massac Co., 9 Apr 2001 (FB)

1, Pomona, 10 Apr 1991 (KM)

SUMMER—Blue-winged Warblers breed early in spring. Nests with eggs have been found as early as late April. Nests are placed on the ground, under an overhanging tussock of grass or a fern. They are parasitized by cowbirds, but not enough nests have been discovered to quantify the impacts that cowbirds may have on their reproductive success.

8, Pope Co., 28 May 1986 (WDR)

13, Giant City SP, all Jun 1986 (TF)

7, Kinkaid Lake, Jackson Co., 5 Jun 1983 (JCR)

AUTUMN—Very inconspicuous after breeding is complete, so the fall migration is hardly noticeable. Many breeders probably start moving south in late June and July. Rarely is more than one bird seen in a day. Most are gone by 15 September.

1, Orient, Franklin Co., 7 Aug 1994 (LS)

male, Carbondale, 14 Aug 1988 (WDR)

1, Massac Co., 7 Sep 2003 (FB)

1, Buttonland Swamp, 10 Sep 2016 (KRo)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 11 Sep 2014 (JG)

1, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 30 Sep 1989 (WDR)

Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, Bald Knob, Union Co., 30 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1356).

Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia

Mid-April - Early October

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant. Occasional summer resident. Very rare winter visitor.

Habitat: Deciduous woods and woodland edge, hedgerows, and

residential areas where large trees are present.

Records and remarks: Black-and-white Warblers forage by creeping along tree trunks and large branches like a nuthatch. They prefer open, dry deciduous forest, and thus appear to be more numerous in the eastern portion of the region, at least during the breeding season. Migrants use a wide variety of habitats.

SPRING—Most migrants are seen after 20 April. Those that arrive in late March and early April may be potential breeders. Migration peaks in early May, and most have departed northward by 15 May. Lingering birds may also be breeders. Daily high counts are normally fewer than 10 birds.

1, Mermet Lake, 19 Mar 2017 (J. Mountjoy)

2, Fort Massac SP, 25 Mar 2012 (KM)

1, Pomona, 29 Mar 2000 (KM)

1, Carbondale, 30 May 1984 (TF)

SUMMER—Nests throughout the Shawnee Hills and some portions of the Floodplains nearly every year, but the summer population is small and quite dispersed. Robinson (1996) summarizes older summer records. The primary strongholds are northern Pope County, the upland forests of western Jackson and Union Counties, and the Cache River drainage.

AUTUMN—Southward migration may begin early in August or perhaps even in July, as local breeders wander from their breeding sites. The bulk of migrants from north of the region probably do not arrive until early September. Daily counts of four or five birds are typical during peak migration. Most birds have departed by 1 October, but some may linger later, even into winter.

1, Carbondale, 13 Aug 1971 (Robinson 1996)

4, Saline Co. CA, 18 Aug 1987 (WDR)

1, Carbondale, 7 Oct 1972 (VK)

1, Mermet Lake, 16 Oct 2016 (A. Parmley)

WINTER—The only documented record is of a female at Horseshoe Lake CA, on 30 Dec 1974 (RS, HDB). 

Documentation: Specimen--male, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 21 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1352).

Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea

Mid-April - Early September

Status and abundance: Common migrant and summer resident.

Habitat: Swamps and flooded woodland along rivers and lakes.

Records and remarks: Often forages low in thickets and around brush piles on the borders of swamps, streams, and lakes. Its loud song is a conspicuous and characteristic component of riparian bird communities.

SPRING—Some Prothonotary Warblers arrive in the first week of April. Normally the first pulse of arrivals happens around 15 April. Migration probably peaks in late April and the first week of May, but the large breeding population obscures any obvious pattern.  Daily high counts can range from 50 to 75 or more in excellent habitat.

1, Fort Massac SP, 2 Apr 2007 (KM)

1, Big Muddy Wetlands, Jackson Co., 5 Apr 2017 (JT)

1, Heron Pond NP, Johnson Co., 9 Apr 1972 (VK)

1, in upland forest at Ozark, Johnson Co., 14 May 1988 (TF)

SUMMER—Nests are placed in tree cavities, usually over water, from 3 to 25 feet high. Eggs have been found at least as early as 24 April, and breeding continues well into July. Even though they nest in cavities, Prothonotary Warblers are parasitized by cowbirds. Usually, the nests with the larger entrances are more likely to be parasitized. Kleen (1973a) gives details on the population dynamics from a site at Crab Orchard NWR. Jeff Hoover ran a research program studying Prothonotary Warblers in the Cache River drainage, which included nest boxes. In 1998, he monitored 563 nests, indicating how truly common the species can be in excellent habitat.

AUTUMN—Fall migration is difficult to detect. After breeding, little singing is heard. The distinctive call note is the only auditory cue to this species' presence in late summer and early fall. A few can still be found foraging along the edges of swamps in thickets through August and into early September. Daily high counts rarely exceed 4 birds.

1, Carbondale, 20 Sep 1970 (VK)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 20 Sep 2015 (JG)

Documentation: Specimen—male, Carbondale, Jackson Co., 5 May 1961 (SIU A-1110).

Swainson's Warbler  Limnothlypis swainsonii

Late April - Early September

Status and abundance: Locally rare summer resident at traditional breeding sites. Very rare migrant away from breeding grounds.

Habitat: Mature bottomland forest with moist, heavily shaded, dense thickets. Breeders are usually, but not always, associated with patches of giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea). Eddleman et al. (1980) suggested that contiguous tracts of forest at least 350 hectares in size are required for breeding, but recent surveys have found a few birds in smaller patches (McKim-Louder and Hoover 2010).

Records and remarks: One of the rarest warblers in Illinois, Swainson’s Warbler has a limited range in southern Illinois, being most frequently encountered at isolated sites in Jackson, Alexander and Johnson Counties. Although formerly regular in the Cave Creek Valley, near Pomona, it has gone undetected for several years at a time there. A survey in 2009 found only two locations, despite extensive effort during the breeding season (McKim-Louder and Hoover 2010).

Swainson’s Warbler was first reported in southern Illinois in 1907, when a singing male was observed four miles north of DuQuoin, Perry Co., by Howard Ray and Alfred O. Gross (Gross 1908). Howell (1910) reported two sightings of individual birds from Olive Branch, Alexander Co. (15-20 May 1909), and Reevesville, Pope Co. (21 Jun 1909). It was nearly thirty years before the next report, when Ammann (1939) collected one near Cairo on 1 September 1938. On 29 April 1951, Richard Brewer and J. W. Hardy discovered a singing male in Cave Creek Valley, north of Pomona (Hardy 1955). They discovered evidence of breeding on 1 July, when a bird carrying food exhibited a distraction display as if a fledgling was nearby. Singing birds were again found there each year from 1952 to 1957 (Brewer 1958). Little mention is made in the literature of searches for Swainson's Warblers during the 1960s, but they were undoubtedly present, because George (1969) found an adult feeding a fledgling on 8 August 1966. William G. George found and collected two nests (after they fledged young) in Cave Creek Valley in 1971; the nests are now in the SIU bird collection. Meanwhile, up to five birds were present at Heron Pond NP in the early 1970s (Kleen 1976). One bird banded there by Kleen in 1973 returned to the same territory in April 1974 (Graber et al. 1983). 

Eddleman (1978) censused approximately five hundred hectares of Cave Creek Valley in 1976 and found twenty-two singing males. Eddleman et al. (1980) reported that Swainson's Warblers required dense overstory (80 percent canopy cover) and dense cane thickets (up to twenty thousand stems per hectare). They also recommended that forests be thinned or cut to promote the growth of cane stands. Apparently in response to this recommendation, the Forest Service clearcut the area with the largest known population of warblers in the early 1980s. Since then, the warbler population has declined precipitously. The disappearance from the Pomona area may not be entirely linked to forestry activities, however, because the warblers disappeared from the Heron Pond sites, which were not logged, at about the same time. Surveys of Cave Creek Valley in the mid 1990s revealed one to three singing males nearly every spring, but the birds were found farther and farther from the traditional sites. 

Unfortunately, information on the true abundance has been somewhat obscured by questionable reports from observers who are not completely familiar with the Swainson's Warbler song. Its song can be confused with songs of Hooded Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush. Observers are encouraged to archive sound recordings and photos in eBird. Given the limited number of birds in southern Illinois, observers should avoid using song playbacks.

SPRING—First arrivals are generally detected during the last week of April, and they are usually considered to be breeders, because southern Illinois is at the northern limit of the breeding range.

1, Cave Creek Valley, Union Co., 23 Apr 2011 (KM)

1, Pomona, 24 Apr 1983 (TF)

4, Cave Creek Valley, Jackson Co., 27 Apr 1972 (VK)

1, Cave Creek Valley, Jackson Co., 30 Apr 2011 (KM, DK)

1, Pope Co., 4 May 1972 (P. Biggers)

4, Union Co., 5 May 1973 (VK)

1, south of Carbondale, Jackson Co., 4-10 May 2003 (VL)

2, Thebes, 1 May – 17 Jun 2011 (SB, PM)

pair, Fort Massac SP, Massac Co., 8 May 1982 (WDR, H. Waring, G. Waring)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 10 May 1950 (LB)

SUMMER—Little is known about the nesting cycle. Both nests collected by George were placed in cane near the ground. Fledglings have been seen at least as early as 8 August but should probably occur earlier. A search of 115 cane-breaks across southern Illinois in 2009 revealed two locations with Swainson’s Warblers, one in Jackson and one in Johnson County (McKim-Louder and Hoover 2010).

1, Cedar Creek, Jackson Co., 21 May 2011 (RR)

1, Murphysboro, 30 May 1946 (JWH)

male, Iron Mountain, Union Co., 6 Jun 1988 (SB)

12, Cedar Creek, Jackson Co., Jun 1975 (M. Homoya, M. Swan)

1, Union Co. CA, 4 and 10 Jun 1982 (P. Kittle)

1, near Thebes, Alexander Co., 14 Jun 1984 (TF)

2, Orchard Creek, near Thebes, Alexander Co., 5-19 Jul 2008 (A. Sigler, DK, MS)

1, Pulaski Co., 24 Jun 1993 (TF, J. Herkert)

pair, near Roots, Randolph Co., 8 Jul 1972 (R. Anderson)

pair with yg., Heron Pond NP, Johnson Co., 31 Aug 1973 (M. Homoya, VK)

1, Little Black Slough, 9 Jul 2007 (DK)

4, Cave Creek Valley, Union Co., 20 Jun – 27 Jul 2009 (RR, DK, MS, KM, MML)

AUTUMN—Not often detected away from breeding areas. Some may linger well into September, because fledglings were still being fed at Heron Pond on 31 August 1973.

1, near Thebes, Alexander Co., present throughout the summer until 27 Aug 2008 (m.ob.)

1, Cairo, Alexander Co., 1 Sep 1938 (Ammann 1939)

Documentation: Specimen—female, 2 miles n. of Pomona, Jackson Co., 8 Aug 1966 (SIU A-1394).

Tennessee Warbler  Oreothlypis peregrina

Late April - Late May

Late August - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Common migrant.

Habitat: Found in nearly any place with trees, including forests, towns, and farms. Most numerous in mature forests. During autumn, they also forage in weedy patches and hedgerows.

Records and remarks: An extremely noisy and common migrant, Tennessee Warblers fill the spring air with their three-part trill. They apparently hold small territories for a few days at a

time during migration, and they may actually mate before reaching their breeding grounds (Quay 1989). During fall they are nearly as common, but the lack of song gives the impression that they are not. They have a fairly distinctive call note, however, that can be learned with practice. 

SPRING—First arrivals are typically detected by 20 April, numbers peak in early to mid-May, and the latest departures are gone by 30 May. Daily high counts during peak migration, given a full day of effort in excellent habitat, can produce over 100 birds.

1, New Columbia, Massac Co., 6 Apr 2012 (FB)

1, Mermet Lake, 9 Apr 2011 (KM)

117, Union Co., 8 May 2004 (SB, A. Spencer)

1, Mermet Lake CA, 4 Jun 1973 (D. Hayward)

1, Dutch Creek, Jonesboro, Union Co., 7 Jun 1990 (Robinson and Robinson 1992)

AUTUMN—Tennessee Warblers gather in small single-species flocks or join mixed-species

flocks of warblers along woodland edge. First arrivals appear during mid- to late August. Peak numbers occur from mid-September through early October, and most have departed by 20 October.

1, Saline Co. CA, 18 Aug 1987 (WDR)

38, Jackson and Union Cos., 13 Sep 1975 (BP)

1, near Little Grassy Lake, Williamson Co., 25 Oct 1987 (WDR)

1, Murphysboro, 29 Oct 1949 (RB)

1, Golconda, 12 Nov 2007 (TD)

Documentation: Specimen—male, Pomona, Jackson Co., 29 Sep 1968 (SIU A-1664).

Orange-crowned Warbler  Oreothlypis celata

Mid-April - Early May

Late September - Late October

Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant. Rare winter resident.

Habitat: Woodland edge, hedgerows, and forest understory.

Records and remarks: An inconspicuous warbler, its song is a weak trill that is heard rather infrequently in southern Illinois. Usually found near dense cover along edges. Forages on trees and shrubs for insects and probably for nectar from flowers. Generally encountered as single individuals. Orange-crowned Warblers may associate with other warbler flocks, especially during fall. Daily high counts rarely exceed 2 or 3 birds.

SPRING—Some arrive in early April, but most often, the first arrivals are not detected until after 15 April. Numbers do not peak much either given the overall uncommonness in the region.

Nearly all Orange-crowned Warblers have departed by 10 May, sometimes sooner.

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 23 Mar 2017 (KRo)

1, Fort Massac SP, 31 Mar 2012 (KM)

1, Oakwood Bottoms, 31 Mar 2012 (TH)

1, Giant City SP, 6 Apr 1986 (WDR)

1, Giant City SP, 11 May 1989 (WDR)

AUTUMN—Rarely encountered before the last few days of September. Orange-crowned Warblers frequent shrubs and dense cover along woodland edges. They respond well to pishing, so can be drawn in for a closer to look to be sure they are not Tennessee Warblers, which can look very yellowish during fall. Their distinctive, forceful chip note sounds similar to the call note of Chipping Sparrow. Most have departed to the south by the end of October, but a few may linger into winter.

1, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 2 Sep 1988 (TF)

3, Ozark, Johnson Co., 8 Oct 1989 (TF)

1 Crab Orchard NWR, 29 Oct 1989 (WDR)

1 banded, Carbondale, 31 Oct 1970 (VK)

WINTER—The few winter records are of birds encountered in hedgerows or at feeders, often where small flocks of sparrows were present. Numbers appear to be increasing during winter as the number of Christmas Bird Count sightings has increased during the last 20 years.

1, Rend Lake, 16-17 Dec 2016 (KM)

1, Rend Lake, 18 Dec 2004 (DK)

1, Union Co., 21 Dec 2001 (DS)

1, Metropolis, 11 Jan – 20 Feb 2017 (A. Parmley; http://ebird.org/ebird/gbbc/view/checklist/S34587579).

1, Mermet Lake, 19 Jan 2004 (FB)

1, Baldwin Lake, 22 Jan 2017 (KM)

1, Cypress Creek NWR, 23 Feb 2017 (DM)

Documentation: Specimen—male, Carbondale, Jackson Co., 17 Oct 1960 (SIU A-1114).

Nashville Warbler  Oreothlypis ruficapilla

Late April - Mid-May

Late August - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Fairly common spring migrant. Uncommon fall migrant.

Habitat: Woodland edge, hedgerows, and deciduous woods.

Records and remarks: Found from low in the understory to the lower and middle portions of forest canopy. Has a migration schedule very similar to that of the Tennessee Warbler. Much less numerous than Tennessee Warblers. Daily high counts rarely exceed 15 birds.

SPRING—Nearly as vocal as Tennessee Warblers and similar song structure except that their song is composed of a two-part (rather than three-part) trill. First arrivals appear around 20 April, migration peaks in late April and early May, and the last migrants are typically gone by 15 May.

1, Grassy Lake, Union Co., 7 Apr 2001 (KM)

1, Giant City SP, 16 May 1989 (WDR)

AUTUMN—The first fall arrivals are generally not reported until after 1 September, but they certainly arrive before that each year. There are no high counts available, but daily counts of up to ten birds are not unexpected for late September and early October. Nashville Warblers are regular participants in mixed-species flocks of warblers. A few lingering birds are seen into the first few days of November, very rarely even later.

1, Saline Co. CA, 18 Aug 1987 (WDR)

1, Williamson Co., 19 Oct 1983 (JCR)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 3 Nov 1990 (WDR)

1, Union Co. CA, 23 Dec 1993 (HDB)

Documentation: Specimen—male, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 25 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1360).

Connecticut Warbler  Oporornis agilis

Mid-May - Early June

Mid-September - Late September

Status and abundance: Rare spring migrant. Very rare fall migrant.

Habitat: Dense, moist thickets near forest edge; dense undergrowth within forest; and, during fall especially, weedy patches near hedgerows.

Records and remarks: A very rarely detected warbler in southern Illinois. In some years none are found, whereas in others an observer may detect several different birds. Most are found by their song, a slow Chippy chuppy chippy chuppy, somewhat recalling a Northern Waterthrush. Their habit of skulking on the ground in dense, moist thickets makes them exceptionally difficult to see. Connecticut Warblers can be separated from the similar Mourning Warbler by the presence of complete white eyerings, the lack of any black on the breast, and the habit of walking rather than hopping.

SPRING—Most first arrivals are detected after 15 May. Daily counts rarely exceed a single bird, even in good habitat. Migrant populations probably peak between 20 and 31 May in most years.

A few are still present during the first few days of June.

1, Cypress Creek NWR, 17 May 2011 (MML)

1, Union Co., 18 May 1996 (KM)

4, South Ripple Hollow, Alexander Co., 25 May 1991 (WDR)

1, Cypress Creek NWR, 28 May 2009 (MML)

1, Porter Bottoms, Johnson Co., 1 Jun 2009 (MML)

male, Winkle, Perry Co., 2 Jun 1989 (WDR)

1, near Jonesboro, Union Co., 4 Jun 1992 (WDR)

1, Belknap, Pulaski Co., 5 Jun 1984 (VK)

AUTUMN—The fall migration path takes most Connecticut Warblers to the Atlantic Coast before they turn southward, so even fewer are detected in our region in fall than spring. They tend to favor weedy habitats more at this season.

imm., Carbondale, 15 Sep 1984 (TF)

1, near Little Grassy Lake, Jackson Co., 28 Sep 1975 (BP)

1, New Columbia, Massac Co., 5 Oct 2002 (FB)

1, Pomona, Jackson Co., 8 Oct 2020 (RR)

Documentation: Specimen—1.5 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 23 May 1971 (WGG 2384).

Mourning Warbler  Geothlypis philadelphia

Mid-May - Early June

Late August - Early October

Status and abundance: Occasional spring migrant. Rare fall migrant.

Habitat: Dense thickets and underbrush in forests and along forest edge.

Records and remarks: An inhabitant of dark, dense thickets, Mourning Warblers are easily overlooked if not heard singing. Spring migrants sometimes whisper their songs, which adds to the difficulty of finding many. 

SPRING—Only rarely detected before 5 May. Migrant populations peak in mid- to late May. Some are regularly present into the first week of June. Typical daily high counts are of 1 to 2 birds.

1 found dead, Crab Orchard NWR, 29 Apr 1970 (VK et al.)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 2 May 2014 (D. Howard)

3, Oakwood Bottoms, 10 May 2016 (HD)

7, Trail of Tears SF, 21 May 1991 (WDR)

1, Dutch Creek, Jonesboro, 7 Jun 1990 (Robinson and Robinson 1992)

male, LaRue Pine Hills, 14 Jun 1986 (WDR)

AUTUMN—Generally silent during fall, so easily overlooked. Frequents dense brush and weedy patches along hedgerows.

1, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 16 Aug 1989 (WDR)

1 banded, Carbondale, 23 Aug 1970 (VK)

1 banded, Grimsby, Jackson Co., 25 Aug 1972 (VK)

1, Marion, 30 Sep 2015 (KRo)

1 banded, Carbondale, 10 Oct 1970 (VK)

Documentation: Specimen—ad., Creal Springs, Williamson Co., 1 Oct 1965 (INHS W-mo-2).

Kentucky Warbler  Geothlypis formosa

Late April – Early September

Status and abundance: Common spring migrant and summer resident. Uncommon fall migrant.

Habitat: Forest; in upland woods, generally found in valleys rather than on ridges. Sometimes numerous in areas that lack deep shade but have dense ground cover, such as edges of clear-cuts and tree-fall gaps in forests.

Records and remarks: "This bird always acts as if it is hiding something. It often lurks in the undergrowth, muttering to itself like an old woman" (JWH). Kentucky Warblers forage on and near the ground, gleaning prey from the leaf litter and from leaf surfaces of herbaceous and shrubby plants. They can be difficult to see as they skulk around in the shade of dense cover, but they do respond well to pishing noises.

SPRING—Most first arrivals are detected just before 20 April, but the first big influx does not arrive until about a week later. The migrant population peaks during the first half of May. Presence of the breeding population makes determination of migrant departure dates difficult.

1, Pomona, 11 Apr 2015 (KM)

15, Pomona, 21 Apr 2006 (KM)

SUMMER—One of the most common breeding forest birds of the Shawnee Hills. Nests are placed on the ground, at the base of an herbaceous plant or fern. Often parasitized by cowbirds. Egg dates range from late April through 18 July. Family groups are conspicuous because of their constant chipping. Adults take the young into areas of dense cover, such as tree-fall gaps, as soon as the fledglings leave the nest.

AUTUMN—As with many common breeding species, fall migration is unremarkable. After breeding, birds seem to just drift southward out of the region. Most birds are gone by 10 September. 

1 banded, Carbondale, 19 Sep 1971 (VK)

1, near Cobden, Union Co., 1-6 Oct 1967 (WGG)

Documentation: Specimen—male, LaRue Pine Hills, Union Co., 3 May 1956 (SIU A-261).

Common Yellowthroat  Geothlypis trichas

Mid-April - Late October

Status and abundance: Common migrant and summer resident. Rare winter resident.

Habitat: Marshes, weedy fields, hedgerows, and forest edge.

Records and remarks: One of our most numerous warblers, yellowthroats are ubiquitous away from forest interior. 

SPRING—The first conspicuous appearance of migrants typically occurs just before 20 April, but some appear earlier, perhaps from nearby wintering areas. Daily high counts can easily exceed 100 birds.

1 to 3, Oakwood Bottoms, 23-29 Mar 2000 (KM, FB, DK)

1, Pomona, 9 Apr 1999 (KM)

1, Union Co. CA, 11 Apr 1992 (TF)

SUMMER—Nesting begins by early May. The breeding season is long. Adults have been seen tending young during August. Yellowthroats are parasitized by cowbirds, but there is little quantitative data to assess any possible impact on their populations. 

AUTUMN—Fall migration is protracted, as some birds tend to linger very late into fall, but the bulk of the population has departed by the end of October.

23, Harrisburg, Saline Co., 7 Sep 1986 (WDR)

1, Carbondale, 2 Nov 2011 (TH)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 29 Nov 1982 (JCR)

WINTER—A few winter records probably involve fall migrants lingering very late, but there are records from throughout the winter months, indicating that at least in some years a few birds try to stay the winter. The distinctive call note, a dry chet, is often given. Winter abundance may be slowly increasing over time.

4, Union Co. CA, 3 Jan 1987 (TF, m.ob.)

3, Oakwood Bottoms, Jackson Co., 11 Jan 1976 (BP, MMo)

male, Crab Orchard NWR, 12 Feb 1983 (JCR)

female, Crab Orchard NWR, 20 Feb 1983 (JCR)

1, Mermet Lake, 20 Feb 2017 (KM)

1, Jackson Co., 8 Mar 1975 (BP)

Documentation: Specimen—female, Alexander Co., 3 May 1969 (SIU A-1729).

Hooded Warbler  Setophaga citrina

Mid-April - Mid-September

Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant. Locally uncommon to fairly common summer resident.

Habitat: Woodland with dense shrub layer. Most numerous in upland and bottomland forest, near tree-falls or other openings where brambles, saplings, and other dense vegetation is growing. Also present in pine woods where the thin canopy allows proliferation of dense understory.

Records and remarks: Hooded Warblers occur in both upland and bottomland forest. High population densities are often found in selectively logged forests, such as that at Trail of Tears SF, because of the numerous patches of disturbed forest that mimic natural tree-fall gaps. 

SPRING—The first Hooded Warblers usually arrive during the third week of April, but occasionally some appear earlier. Migration continues into mid-May. Maximum daily counts are usually less than five birds. 

1, Jackson Co., 21 Mar 2008 (L. Wegman)

1, Trail of Tears SF, 25 Mar 2008 (KM)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 30 Mar 1950 (LB)

male, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 19 May 1988 (WDR)

SUMMER—Nests are placed within 6 feet of the ground, often in the crotch of a sapling or in a patch of dense briars. Frequent victims of cowbird parasitism, Hooded Warblers rarely raise any of their own young in our region. Nest predation rates are extremely high as well. 

17 territorial males, n. Pope Co., throughout June 1986 (WDR)

AUTUMN—Few are detected during fall. Migration probably begins during July, but it is largely unnoticed.

1, Saline Co., 16 Sep 1994 (JD)

1, Lusk Creek, Pope Co., 20 Sep 2015 (A. Parmley)

Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, 2 miles n. of Pomona, Jackson Co., 29 Apr 1967 (WGG 2204).

American Redstart  Setophaga ruticilla

Late April - Early October

Status and abundance: Common migrant. Locally common summer resident.

Habitat: Breeds in mature bottomland forest. Migrants also frequent upland forest and forest edge.

Records and remarks: Notoriously frenetic foragers, redstarts are extremely active and adept at pursuing insects spooked into flight when a redstart flashes open its wings and tail. One of our most common warbler species during migration, redstarts can occur in just about any place that has trees. The song is highly variable, loud, and lisping. Males do not attain full adult plumage until their second breeding season. Plumage of young males closely resembles that of females. Adult males retain the black-and-orange plumage throughout the year.

SPRING—The first arrivals of the season usually appear around 20 April. Large numbers occur in both upland and bottomland forest from the last week of April through mid-May, after which time most migrants have departed. A substantial breeding population obscures the detection of departure dates from bottomland forest, but few redstarts breed in upland forest, so any occurring there in late May or early June are likely to be late migrants.

1, near Carbondale, 5 Apr 1966 (WGG)

1, Pomona, 13 Apr 2001 (KM)

28, Pomona, 6 May 2016 (KM)

12, Bumgard Island, Alexander Co., 24 May 1988 (WDR)

1, LaRue Pine Hills, 29 May 1989 (Robinson and Robinson 1992)

SUMMER—Redstarts are sometimes parasitized by cowbirds, but little quantitative data are available from southern Illinois. Cave Creek Valley near Pomona probably houses one of the largest regional breeding populations. Another large population center is along the

Kaskaskia River Bottoms.

33, Pomona, 4 Jul 1999 (DK)

AUTUMN—Fall arrivals begin appearing by late August, but the presence of the breeding population dampens any obvious influx until about mid-September, when there is a noticeable increase in the number of redstarts along forest edges. They regularly associate with mixed-species flocks of warblers. Peak counts of ten birds per day are typical and usually occur during late September. Most have departed by 10 October, but a few linger later.

1, Carbondale, 25 Oct 1989 (J. Hardt)

Documentation: Specimen—female, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 4 May 1966 (SIU A-1376).

Cape May Warbler  Setophaga tigrina

Late April - Mid-May

Early September - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Uncommon spring migrant. Occasional fall migrant. Very rare winter visitor.

Habitat: Principally found in deciduous woodland, but also found in patches of large spruce trees (such as those at cemeteries) and even in willow thickets along the edges of bottomland forest.

Records and remarks: An easily overlooked species because of its very high-pitched, lisping song. Forages by gleaning insects from leaves and flowers in woodland mid-story and the upper canopy. Highly variable in numbers from year to year.

SPRING—Not often encountered before 30 April. Even in years when populations are high, most daily high counts do not exceed three birds. Few are detected after 15 May.

1, Pomona, 19 Apr 2013 (KM)

1, Jackson Co., 25 Apr 2009 (MS, KM)

6, Massac Co., 9 May 1987 (WDR)

4, Rend Lake, 15 May 1992 (TF, JD)

1, Horsheshoe Lake CA, 19 May 2007 (MML)

1, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 23 May 2016 (G. Palmer)

AUTUMN—Even less numerous in fall than in spring. Participates in mixed-species flocks of warblers foraging along forest edge. Most birds have departed by late October, but a few may linger later, even into winter on rare occasions.

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 2 Sep 1976 (BP)

1, Carbondale, 22 Oct 1983 (TF)

1, Carterville, Williamson Co., 11-21 Nov 1973 (M. Homoya)

WINTER—1 visiting a feeder, Makanda, Jackson Co., 7 Dec 1983 (m.ob.)

Documentation: Specimen—male, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 14 May 1966 (SIU A-1398).

Cerulean Warbler Setophaga cerulea

Mid-April - Early September

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant and summer resident.

Habitat: Forested areas with large trees. Most numerous in mature bottomland forest along streams and rivers, but also found in mature upland forest. 

Records and remarks: Cerulean Warblers occupy forest canopy so are not often seen. The song is a distinctive series of buzzy notes. Without its song, the species would undoubtedly be largely overlooked. Breeding Bird Survey data have shown strong population declines for years (Sauer and Droege 1992). Declines have been so large that a substantial conservation program has developed for the species.

SPRING--Most first arrivals are detected about 15 April, but birds are still arriving in late April. Some have been reported as early as 3 April (Graber et al. 1983). In excellent habitat, daily high counts may reach 20 birds.

2, Pomona, 10 Apr 2001 (KM)

58, Cache River, Johnson Co., 24 Apr 1973 (VK, HDB)

16, Cedar Creek, Jackson Co., 9 May 2010 (SB, PM)

SUMMER—Relatively few nests have been found, although William G. George found sixteen nests in Jackson Co., all of which were in American elms (Graber et al. 1983). Most nests are placed between 20 and 100 feet above the ground. Cerulean Warblers are common victims of cowbird parasitism as judged by the frequency with which adults are seen feeding fledgling cowbirds. Nesting begins shortly after arrival and extends into June. An extensive survey of prime habitat in Cave Creek Valley, near Pomona, revealed 110 territorial males during the 1992 summer (G. Vanderah). From 2021-2023, Vukovich and Sierzega (2023) conducted an intensive survey along 87 km of transects (4202 acres surveyed) across Jackson, Union, Alexander and Hardin Counties and found 106 singing males. The average density was 2.5 singing males per 100 acres. Cave Valley and Cedar Creek valley near Pomona continued to have the highest density and largest number of Cerulean Warblers. Hutchin's Creek, Union County, had the next largest concentration of Cerulean Warblers.

AUTUMN—Fall migration is nearly undetected. When singing ceases after the breeding season, Cerulean Warblers are difficult to find. Most have probably departed by early August with some birds observed into mid-September. One was reported 6 November at Horseshoe Lake CA without any details (Findley 1949).

1 banded, Carbondale, 16 Sep 1970 (VK)

1, n. Union Co., 21 Sep 1986 (WDR)

1, Parish, Franklin Co., 27 Sep 2008 (LS)

Documentation: Specimen—male, Pine Hills, Union Co., 7 May 1966 (SIU A-1363).

Northern Parula  Setophaga americana

Early April - Early October

Status and abundance: Common spring migrant and summer resident. Uncommon fall migrant. Very rare winter visitor.

Habitat: Breeds in mature deciduous woods. More numerous in bottomland than upland woods during the breeding season, but migrants regularly use both habitats. Graber et al. (1983) reported American sycamore to be an important component of Parula habitat. Fall migrants are also regularly found on forest edges.

Records and remarks: Primarily a bird of the forest canopy, Northern Parulas forage by gleaning arthropods from leaves, often hovering briefly at the terminal clusters of leaves on

the outer edge of a tree's canopy. They sing several different song types, but all are buzzy.

SPRING—One of our first warbler species to return in spring, Northern Parulas are detected in the first few days of April. The peak of spring migration is somewhat obscured by the breeding population, but Parulas are especially common during late April and early

May. Maximum daily high counts normally range from 25 to 50.

2, LaRue Pine Hills, 25 Mar 2000 (FB, DK, KM)

1, Fort Massac SP, 25 Mar 2017 (KM)

7, Fort Massac SP, 28 Mar 2004 (KM)

53, Union Co., 12 Apr 2002 (KM)

61, Cache River, Johnson Co., 24 Apr 1973 (HDB, VK)

SUMMER—Few nests have been found, because they are often placed in vine tangles or dense clusters of leaves high in the canopy. Summer strongholds include Floodplain forests along the Mississippi, Kaskaskia and Cache Rivers, as well as the Pomona area. They are regular in smaller numbers across much of the region as well.

AUTUMN—Like many migrant species that breed in the region, Parulas just seem to disappear after the breeding season. A few are found with flocks of other warbler species along forest edge, but it is unusual to find more than two in a day, especially after 10 September.

1, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 4 Oct 1986 (TF, WDR)

1, Carbondale, 14 Oct 2014 (JT)

WINTER—One adult was found freshly dead in a pine plantation near Cypress Creek NWR on 20 December 1994 (TF, specimen at ISM).

Documentation: Specimen—male, Crab Orchard NWR, Williamson Co., 11 Apr 1956 (SIU A-246).

Magnolia Warbler  Setophaga magnolia

Late April - Late May

Early September – Early October

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant.

Habitat: Understory of deciduous woods and forest edge. During fall migration, also found in hedgerows.

Records and remarks: Magnolia Warblers forage among dense foliage in the understory and lower canopy of forest and forest edge. Their song is distinctive, but not very loud, so somewhat inconspicuous. 

SPRING—First arrivals usually appear before 1 May, but they may occur as early as 14 April (George 1968). Magnolia Warblers are most numerous from 5 to 15 May. Usually less than five or six are counted in a day, but during "fallout" days they can be quite common.

1, Fort Massac SP, 22 Apr 2006 (KM)

18, Massac Co., 10 May 1986 (WDR)

1, Johnson Co., 30 May 1988 (TF)

1, Giant City SP, 2 Jun 1984 (E. Chato)

AUTUMN—First fall arrivals are most often detected in early September. Less than five or six are usually seen per day during peak passage. Most have departed by the first week of October.

5, Perry Co., 29 Aug 2010 (MS)

3, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 7 Sep 1988 (TF, WDR)

1, Jefferson Co., 15 Oct 2010 (MS)

1, Williamson Co., 19 Oct 1983 (JCR)

Documentation: Specimen—male, Crab Orchard NWR, Williamson Co., Apr 1961 (SIU A-1216).

Bay-breasted Warbler  Setophaga castanea

Early May - Late May

Early September - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant. 

Habitat: Mature bottomland and upland woods.

Records and remarks: Numbers of Bay-breasted Warblers seem to be highly variable from year to year, especially in spring. During fall, males are in nonbreeding plumage, which can be difficult to separate from the nonbreeding plumage of the Blackpoll Warbler. Bay-breasted Warblers are more common, often retain some wash of bay coloration on the sides, and have dark feet and buffy undertail coverts. 

SPRING—Not often detected before 1 May. Numbers peak between 5 and 20 May. Most are gone by 25 May.

2, Massac Co., 22 Apr 2002 (FB)

3, Giant City SP, 27 Apr 1989 (WDR)

36, Massac Co., 10 May 1986 (WDR)

1, Giant City SP, 2 Jun 1984 (EC)

AUTUMN—First fall arrivals are usually found after 5 September. They often associate with mixed-species flocks of warblers and will forage at mid-level heights along forest edges. Migration peaks in early October, and most birds have departed by 10 October. Daily high counts are higher during fall than spring, with maxima tending to be about 12 birds.

1, Mermet Lake CA, 18 Aug 1988 (WDR)

1, Grassy Slough, Johnson Co., 19 Aug 2008 (D. Dann)

12, Woodlawn, Jefferson Co., 10 Sep 1988 (TF, WDR)

18, Giant City SP, 6 Oct 1984 (JCR)

1, Atwood Ridge, Union Co., 14 Oct 1989 (WDR)

1 banded, Carbondale, 16 Oct 1971 (VK)

Documentation: Specimen—male, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 28 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1369).

Blackburnian Warbler  Setophaga fusca

Late April - Late May

Late August - Early October

Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant.

Habitat: Deciduous woods and woodland edge.

Records and remarks: Mostly found in the mid- to upper portions of forest canopy, especially during spring. In fall, comes lower to join flocks of warblers foraging in the understory and lower canopy along forest edge. The orange on the throat of a male Blackburnian Warbler is nearly unrivalled in its beauty.

SPRING—Most first arrivals are detected during the last few days of April. Peak numbers (usually less than five seen per day) are present in the first half of May, and the last migrants have usually left by 25 May. 

1, Simpson, Johnson Co., 17 Apr 1989 (TF)

1, Hamburg Hill, Union Co., 18 Apr 1992 (WDR, TF)

1, Pomona, 18 Apr 2016 (KM)

7, Saline Co., 13 May 1988 (WDR)

male, Atwood Ridge, Union Co., 7 Jun 1990 (SKR)

male, Trail of Tears SF, 15 Jun 1992 (WDR)

AUTUMN—Usually not encountered until September. Less numerous than in spring, with typical daily high counts of less than three birds.

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 23 Aug 1987 (WDR)

3, Trail of Tears SF, 6 Sep 2008 (E. Miller)

1, near Woodlawn, Jefferson Co., 10 Sep 1988 (TF, WDR)

1, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 2 Oct 2015 (JT)

1, Union Co., 11 Oct 1975 (BP)

1, se. Saline Co., 11 Oct 1985 (SO)

Documentation: Specimen—female, 20 miles n.w. of Carbondale, Jackson Co., 22 May 1968 (SIU A-1661).

Yellow Warbler  Setophaga petechia

Mid-April - Mid-September

Status and abundance: Common migrant. Fairly common summer resident.

Habitat: Wet woodland edges, willow thickets, and hedgerows bordering streams.

Records and remarks: Yellow Warblers are one of the most common breeding species of riparian thickets and wet woodland edges. They are also numerous on reclaimed surface-mined lands, especially in thickets near water.

SPRING—Most first arrivals are not detected until after 15 April, although a few appear earlier, especially in unusually warm springs. Peak migration occurs during late April and early May. The breeding population obscures the departure of the latest migrants, but migration may extend into late May, because a singing male was encountered in upland forest habitat near Atwood Ridge, Union Co., on 25 May 1991 (WDR).

1, Union Co., 10 Apr 1992 (TF)

1, Mermet Lake CA, 11 Apr 1986 (WDR)

87, Massac Co., 5 May 1984 (WDR)

SUMMER—Nests are placed from 3 to 40 feet up in the crotch of a tree, usually near water. Nests can be difficult to find, because they are often well hidden among a cluster of leaves. Cowbirds readily parasitize Yellow Warbler nests. Not often found in upland habitats, instead preferring to nest near water.  

AUTUMN--As with many breeding species, Yellow Warblers seem to disappear after their breeding season, which is somewhat surprising because they have an extensive breeding population to the north of Illinois. Their peak passage through southern Illinois seems to occur during August.

1, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 20 Sep 2013 (KM)

1, Carbondale, 17 Sep 1971 (VK)

1, Giant City SP, 9 Oct 2013 (R. Allen)

Documentation: Specimen—male, Carbondale, Jackson Co., 5 May 1961 (SIU A-1111).

Chestnut-sided Warbler  Setophaga pensylvanica

Late April - Late May

Late August - Early October

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant. Very rare summer resident.

Habitat: Forest edge and deciduous woodland during migration. Summer visitors have been found in clearcuts with extremely dense patches of regenerating vegetation.

Records and remarks: Chestnut-sided Warblers are striking beautiful warblers. Even fall plumage and female plumages, which offer a subtle emerald coloration. They forage at mid-levels in forests for insects and join mixed-species flocks during fall.

SPRING—Usually first detected during the last few days of April, becoming numerous during the first and second weeks of May, and mostly gone by 25 May. Daily high counts normally are less than 10 birds.

1, Mermet Lake, 21 Apr 2000 (FB)

1, Saline Co., 22 Apr 1995 (JD)

1, Giant City SP, 2 Jun 1984 (E. Chato)

male, Trail of Tears SF, 5 Jun 1992 (WDR)

male, se. Massac Co., 15 Jun 1989 (VK)

SUMMER—The one confirmed nesting record is of a pair that built a nest 4 feet up in a patch of blackberry brambles in a clearcut in northeast Johnson Co. The nest had three warbler eggs, two of which were hatching, when it was discovered on 26 Jun 1990 (WDR, TF). The nest successfully fledged two young on 4 or 5 July. The third egg was apparently infertile. It was collected and deposited at ISM. Other records:

2 males, Williams Hill, Pope Co., 27 May through at least 22 Jun 1990 (SKR, TF, WDR)

AUTUMN—Most birds are in nonbreeding plumage upon arrival in August. This species is one of the most common participants in mixed-species flocks of warblers. Most migrants have departed by 10 October.

2, Saline Co. CA, 18 Aug 1987 (WDR)

4, Perry Co., 29 Aug 2010 (MS)

14, Crab Orchard NWR, 13 Sep 1986 (WDR)

1, Carbondale, 11 Oct 1970 (VK)

1, Williamson Co., 15 Oct 1983 (JCR)

Documentation: Specimen—male, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 8 May 1966 (SIU A-1367).

Blackpoll Warbler  Setophaga striata

Late April - Late May

Mid-September - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Common spring migrant. Occasional fall migrant.

Habitat: Mature deciduous woods.

Records and remarks: A warbler of the high forest canopy, Blackpoll Warblers are usually detected by their high-pitched song, which is loud enough to make them rather conspicuous during spring. In some springs, Blackpoll Warblers rival Tennessee Warblers in numbers present. During fall, most migrate to the Atlantic Coast before launching on an incredible flight over the Atlantic Ocean to land in South America. Their route takes them away from southern Illinois so few are seen during fall.

SPRING—Typically first detected during the last few days of April, but not common until the first week of May. Abundance declines abruptly after 20 May although some are usually present throughout May. At the peak of migration in excellent habitat, daily high counts can surpass 50 birds. 

1, Fort Massac SP, 15 Apr 2005 (KM)

1, Carbondale, 17 Apr 1982 (SO, M. Mlodinow)

15, Oakwood Bottoms, Jackson Co., 29 Apr 1972 (VK, P. Biggers)

1, Little Black Slough, Johnson Co., 25 May 1989 (WDR)

male, Trail of Tears SF, 10 Jun 1991 (WDR)

AUTUMN—If we detect any Blackpoll Warblers during fall migration, they are generally fairly late in September and October. Daily high counts rarely exceed 1 bird.

1, Giant City SP, 12 Sep 1982 (JCR)

1, Little Grassy Lake, Williamson Co., 19 Oct 1975 (BP)

1, Carbondale, 28 Oct 1949 (JWH)

1, Murphysboro, 2 Nov 1947 (JWH)

Documentation: Specimen—male, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 25 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1389).

Black-throated Blue Warbler  Setophaga caerulescens

Late April - Mid-May

Mid-September - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Rare migrant.

Habitat: Dense understory of deciduous woods; woodland edge.

Records and remarks: One of the region's rarest warblers, the migration path of Black-throated Blue Warblers takes the bulk of the population well north of our region in both spring and fall. They forage in the understory and lower levels of the forest canopy. Their lazy, buzzy song (zray zray zreeee) is distinctive.

SPRING—Most records are from the first half of May, but some have been detected as early as mid-April (e.g., 19 Apr 1927 [Cahn and Hyde 1929]).

1, Heron Pond, 27 Apr 2008 (D. Williams)

1, Pomona, 27 Apr 2014 (JG)

male, se. Jackson Co., 6 May 1984 (WDR)

male, Union Co., 7 May 2005 (SB)

1, Fort Massac SP, 12 May 2012 (KM)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 17 May 1951 (LB)

1, Giant City SP, 19 May 1989 (WDR)

AUTUMN—Males retain breeding plumage throughout the year. This species participates in mixed-species flocks with other warblers. The best way to encounter it is to spend as many hours in the field as possible. And you still may never find one during fall.

male, near Woodlawn, Jefferson Co., 10 Sep 1988 (TF, WDR)

1, Sparta, Randolph Co., 11 Sep 1971 (MMo)

2, Murphysboro, 4 Oct 1945 (JWH)

female, Massac Co., 19 Oct 2003 (FB)

Documentation: Specimen—imm. male, 2 miles n. of Pomona, Jackson Co., 21 Sep 1968 (WGG 2268).

Palm Warbler  Setophaga palmarum

Mid-April - Early May

Mid-September - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Common spring migrant. Uncommon fall migrant. Rare winter visitor.

Habitat: Woodlands, forest edge, shrubby old fields, hedgerows, marshes, and willow thickets. 

Records and remarks: Palm Warblers generally forage on or near the ground, although they also feed in the understory and canopy during spring migration. They pump their tails as they hop from perch to perch. A rump patch is present, but is dull and inconspicuous.

SPRING—The first arrivals are usually found in mid-April. Peak numbers pass through in late April. Most have departed by 10 May. Although they will use forest habitats, they are most numerous in the thickets along stream courses and in savanna-like habitats. Daily high counts rarely exceed 40 birds.

1, Carbondale, 16 Mar 2017 (HD, DM)

1, Saline Co., 1 Apr 1995 (KM)

1, Mermet Lake, 7 Apr 1999 (KM)

40, Perks, Pulaski Co., 23 Apr 1973 (VK, HDB)

51, Massac Co., 5 May 1984 (WDR)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 16 May 2016 (DM, JG)

AUTUMN—Less numerous than during spring. Daily high counts are usually less than 10 birds. Found along forest edges with other warbler species and in marshy habitat.

1, Carbondale, 22 Aug 2015 (HD)

7, Carbondale, 13 Oct 1984 (TF)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 2 Nov 1989 (EW, WDR)

WINTER—Recently encountered during winter, but still quite rare.

2, Rend Lake, 20 Dec 2008 (KM, MS)

1, Arklands, 27 Dec 2008 (TD)

1, Jackson Co., 1 Jan 2004 (TH)

1, Mermet, 2-24 Jan 2004 (FB, KM, CL)

1, Pomona, 14 Feb 2014 (RR)

1, Cache River SNA, 1 Mar 2017 (KRo)

1, Mermet Lake, 3 Mar 2012 (T. Hallman)

Documentation: Specimen—Bald Knob, Union Co., 30 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1659).

Pine Warbler  Setophaga pinus

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant and summer resident in the Shawnee Hills. Uncommon migrant in the Floodplains and Till Plain. Occasional winter resident.

Habitat: Mature pine woods. Sometimes in deciduous woodland during migration.

Records and remarks: Pine Warblers have taken advantage of human alteration of natural habitats. Historically, Pine Warblers were probably uncommon migrants as they passed through the region on their way between coniferous forests in the northern United States, Canada and the southeastern United States. Native pines in the Ozark Hills of Alexander, Union, Jackson, and Randolph Counties may have supported a breeding population, but it must have been very small. Today, extensive plantations of pine that are common in the Shawnee Hills provide abundant habitat for breeding, and in most years, wintering populations. 

SPRING—Apparently two migration "pulses" into southern Illinois occur. The first is during late February and typically over by mid-March. It probably indicates the arrival of the local breeding population. The second influx of migrants occurs from mid-April into early May. These birds may be those that breed north of our region, perhaps in the Great Lakes states and southern Canada. Daily high counts can exceed 40 birds in exceptional habitat with sufficient effort. Normally daily counts are fewer than 10.

SUMMER—Breeding begins early in spring. Nests have been found as early as 27 March, and fledglings have been seen by 24 April. Pine Warblers may raise two broods, because many dependent juveniles can be seen during late May. Sometimes recorded in native pines during the summer.

28, Pope Co., 27 May 1986 (WDR)

singing male in native pines, LaRue Pine Hills, 6 Jun 1992 (WDR)

AUTUMN—The beginning of fall migration is unclear. Pine Warblers become rather quiet after breeding. It is likely that fall migration is quite protracted, especially given the increasing tendency for some to spend the entire winter in southern Illinois.

WINTER—Small numbers of Pine Warblers regularly overwinter, especially in areas with extensive pine woods, such as Crab Orchard NWR and Pope County. Wintering birds often associate with flocks of kinglets, creepers, nuthatches, and chickadees. 

1, Pyramid SP, 25 Jan 2015 (KM)

1, Carbondale, 25 Jan 2016 (DM)

Documentation: Specimen—juv., Pomona, Jackson Co., 30 Apr 1976 (SIU A-1887).

Yellow-rumped Warbler  Setophaga coronata

Mid-September - Early May

Status and abundance: Common migrant. Fairly common winter resident in the Shawnee Hills and the Floodplains. Uncommon winter resident in the Till Plain.

Habitat: Woodland, edge, hedgerows, and towns. Frequents coniferous woods also, especially

during winter. During peak migration, also occurs in marshes and old fields.

Records and remarks: One of the most common warbler species. Its song is unremarkable, but it is fairly loud, and that factor in combination with the recognizable chip note and the abundance of the species makes Yellow-rumped Warblers quite conspicuous. They forage mostly in the understory and canopy of forests, but will also feed on the ground at times. There are apparently no reports of Audubon's Warbler, currently recognized as the western subspecies of Yellow-rumped Warbler, for the region.

AUTUMN—First fall arrivals are normally detected in the last few days of September. During peak migration, large numbers can be found in dispersed flocks that may pass over an area in groups of two to ten birds as they fly from one tree to another. The end of migration is obscured by the overwintering population, especially in the Shawnee Hills, where the largest winter population occurs. Daily high counts can reach 150 or more birds.

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 9 Sep 2016 (KRo)

20, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 24 Sep 1989 (WDR)

180, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 10 Oct 1987 (TF, JCR)

71, Crab Orchard NWR, 15 Oct 1983 (JCR)

WINTER—The winter population is highest in early winter and slowly decreases until spring migration starts. Many overwintering birds are associated with habitats that offer good cover, such as conifer stands. They often forage on poison ivy fruits and native grapes.

63, Ferne Clyffe SP, 23 Jan 1992 (TF)

180, Pomona, 24 Feb 2002 (RR)

SPRING—Because of the overwintering population, the beginning of spring migration is obscured, but there is a definite increase in numbers during mid- to late March. Most birds are still in nonbreeding plumage in early spring, but by mid-April, many males are gaining bright breeding plumage. Peak abundances are found in late April and the first five days of May. After 10 May, most Yellow-rumps have departed. Maximum daily high counts easily approach 100 birds.

1, Wayne Fitzgerrell SP, 17 May 2011 (KM)

1, Trail of Tears SF, 24 May 1990 (WDR)

Documentation: Specimen—male, Crab Orchard NWR, Williamson Co., 11 Apr 1956 (SIU A-268).

Yellow-throated Warbler  Setophaga dominica

Early April - Late September

Status and abundance: Common migrant and summer resident.

Habitat: Mature bottomland woods, cypress swamps, and pine woods. Also found in upland forest, especially when a large sycamore or pine is present.

Records and remarks: Yellow-throated Warblers are stay very high in trees and would be easily overlooked if not for the distinctive song: See see see look up at me. Females are not often seen, because they do not sing, but they will sometimes come down into the understory to gather nesting material. 

SPRING—One of the first warblers to arrive in spring, Yellow-throated Warblers appear as soon as the first canopy trees begin to leaf out, which is usually in very late March or early April. Maximum daily high counts can approach 40 birds but are normally around a dozen.

2, Mermet Lake, 23 Mar 2000 (FB)

2, Ft. Massac SP, 25 Mar 2012 (KM)

1, Crab Orchard, 26 Mar 2016 (WDR, KM)

32, Crab Orchard NWR, 18 Apr 1985 (JCR)

18, Cache River, Johnson Co., 24 Apr 1973 (VK, HDB)

SUMMER—Nests are small and placed high in the canopy, so few have been found. Cowbird parasitism is probably common, because adults have frequently been seen feeding fledgling cowbirds. Breeding begins very early with nest building by mid-April.

AUTUMN—Not often observed during fall migration. Rarely are more than two or three seen in a day. Forages with other warblers along forest edge, readily coming down to the ground to bathe in puddles. Most have departed by the last week of September, but a few linger into October.

1, Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co., 22 Sep 1991 (TF)

1, Carbondale, 7 Oct 1972 (VK)

1, Giant City SP, 10 Oct 1982 (JCR)

1, LaRue Pine Hills, 13 Oct 2016 (P. Hunt)

Documentation: Specimen—female, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 17 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1366).

Prairie Warbler  Setophaga discolor

Early April - Late September

Status and abundance: Common migrant and summer resident in the Shawnee Hills, especially in Johnson and Pope Counties. Occasional migrant in the Floodplains and the Till Plain.

Habitat: Shrubby, upland, old fields.

Records and remarks: One of the most thoroughly studied North American songbirds (Nolan 1978), Prairie Warblers are easily detected in appropriate habitat by the characteristic song of evenly spaced, ascending, buzzy notes. The song can be somewhat variable in speed and frequency. Prairie Warblers are often associated with early successional habitats where Red Cedars are common, as long as the habitat has plenty of deciduous growth as well.

SPRING—First arrivals are most often detected after 10 April; a few can appear during March.

Maximum daily high counts are less than 25 birds.

1, Carbondale, 18 Mar 2012 (T. Hallman)

1, Carbondale, 4 Apr 1991 (BD)

1, Giant City SP, 6 Apr 1986 (WDR)

SUMMER—Most of the regional breeding population is in Pope, Johnson, eastern Union, southern Williamson, and southeastern Jackson Counties.

AUTUMN—Fall migration goes largely undetected. Like other warblers with early breeding seasons, it is quite likely that southward movements begin during July shortly after breeding is completed. Most birds are gone by 15 September. Daily high counts rarely exceed 5 birds.

1 banded, Carbondale, 9 Aug 1970 (VK)

1 singing, Ozark, Johnson Co., 17 Sep 1989 (TF)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 3 Oct 2010 (G. Schechter)

1, se. Jackson Co., 4 Oct 1987 (WDR)

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 23 Nov 1959 (LB)

Documentation: Photograph—pair at nest, ne. Johnson Co., June 1990 (TF).

Black-throated Green Warbler  Setophaga virens

Mid-April - Late May

Early September - Late October

Status and abundance: Fairly common spring migrant. Common fall migrant.

Habitat: Deciduous forest and forest edge.

Records and remarks: Black-throated Green Warblers feed in the mid-levels and canopy of forest. They can be found along forest edges, especially during fall when they join mixed-species foraging flocks of songbirds.

SPRING—A few males arrive about one month ahead of the major pulse of migrants. Peak numbers pass through in early May. High counts usually are less than a dozen birds per observer in a day. Most birds have departed by 25 May, but a few have lingered into June. Lingering birds should be watched closely for evidence of nesting.

1, Horseshoe Lake CA, 25 Mar 1986 (I. Domazlicky)

1, LaRue Pine Hills, 25 Mar 2000 (DK, FB, KM)

1, Ozark, Johnson Co., 29 Mar 1992 (TF)

1, Fort Massac SP, 31 Mar 2003 (KM)

1, Bell Smith Springs, 29-31 May 1999 (M. Retter)

male, Trail of Tears SF, 8 Jun 1992 (SB)

male, near Jonesboro, Union Co., 12 Jun 1993 (L. Morse)

male, Trail of Tears SF, 13 Jun 1981 (M. Mlodinow)

AUTUMN—More numerous in fall than spring. A frequent participant in mixed-species warbler flocks. Often forages along forest edge. Peak numbers occur from mid-September to mid-October. Daily high counts can be 20 to 30 birds.

2, Little Grassy Lake, Williamson Co., 31 Aug 1976 (BP)

1, Wayne Fitzgerrell SP, 31 Aug 2005 (KM)

25, Jackson & Perry Cos., 18 Sep 1982 (JCR)

30, Giant City SP, 6 Oct 1984 (JCR)

1, Carbondale, 24 Oct 2015 (JT)

1, Carbondale, 26 Oct 1989 (WDR)

Documentation: Specimen—male, Pomona, Jackson Co., 29 Sep 1968 (SIU A-1662).

Canada Warbler  Cardellina canadensis

Early May - Late May

Late August - Mid-September

Status and abundance: Uncommon spring migrant. Occasional fall migrant. Very rare summer visitor.

Habitat: Dense understory of forest and forest edge.

Records and remarks: Canada Warblers are often associated with gaps in forests and along forest edges where the understory is well developed. They tend to forage from the understory up to the lower extent of the forest canopy. 

SPRING—Although a few migrants may appear in very late April, the first Canada Warblers are usually not encountered until May. They are never very numerous, but populations peak between 5 and 20 May when high counts of 5 or 6 birds per day are noteworthy.

1, Pine Hills, Union Co., 25 Apr 2008 (KM, MS)

1, Eldorado, Saline Co., 28 Apr 1993 (JD)

9, Massac Co., 10 May 1986 (WDR)

1, Pine Hills, Union Co., 29 May 1989 (Robinson and Robinson 1992)

1, Kinkaid Lake, Jackson Co., 5 Jun 1983 (JCR)

SUMMER—One male with a partial necklace was observed in selectively logged forest at Trail of Tears SF, Union Co., 22 Jun 1991 (SKR). It was probably a very late spring migrant.

AUTUMN—The fall migration route of Canada Warblers takes them east to the Atlantic Coast from their Canadian breeding range, so most of them bypass southern Illinois. The majority of birds that do occur here probably pass through at the end of August and the first two weeks of September. They often associate with mixed-species flocks of warblers.

imm. female collected, Mermet Lake, Massac Co., 9 Aug 1968 (INHS)

1, Carbondale, 23 Aug 1970 (VK)

1, Buckner, Franklin Co., 24 Aug 1995 (LS)

1, Carbondale, 4 Oct 1986 (WDR)

Documentation: Specimen—imm. female, Mermet Lake, Massac Co., 9 Aug 1968 (INHS W-ca-2).

Wilson's Warbler  Cardellina pusilla

Early May - Late May

Early September - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Uncommon spring migrant. Occasional fall migrant. Very rare winter visitor.

Habitat: Forest, forest edge, and willow thickets.

Records and remarks: Wilson’s Warblers are inconspicuous and easily overlooked. The song is a short, sputtered trill that is sung rather infrequently in our region. Spring migrants occur in both upland and bottomland forest and in willow thickets, whereas fall migrants tend to prefer forest edge and willows, often in association with other warblers.

SPRING—First migrants appear near the first of May, and peak numbers are present by the middle of May. Daily high counts usually do not normally exceed five or six birds. Populations soon pass northward and few are present after 25 May.

1, Union Co., 27 Apr 1984 (TF, K. Richmond)

9, Rend Lake, 15 May 1992 (TF, JD)

2, Round Knob, Massac Co., 26 May 2005 (SB)

1, Trail of Tears SF, 27 May 1991 (Robinson and Robinson 1992)

AUTUMN—Fall migration is protracted, extending throughout September and October. Daily high counts rarely exceed one bird.

1, Crab Orchard NWR, 1 Sep 1976 (BP)

1, Ferne Clyffe SP, Johnson Co., 4 Sep 1988 (WDR)

1, Carbondale, 5 Oct 1986 (TF)

1, Carbondale, 24 Oct 1970 (VK)

WINTER—The sole winter record probably involves a very late fall migrant.

1, Union Co. CA, 22 Dec 1982 (HDB)

Documentation: Specimen—male, 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 9 Oct 1967 (SIU A-1667).

Family Cardinalidae

Summer Tanager  Piranga rubra

Mid-April - Early October

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant. Fairly common summer resident in the Shawnee Hills. Uncommon summer resident in the Floodplains and the Till Plain.

Habitat: Deciduous woods, often near edges of openings in the canopy.

Records and remarks: Summer Tanagers forage in the understory and canopy of deciduous woodland. They catch fairly large insects for food, often consuming wasps and bees. They also exhibit delayed plumage maturation; males in their first breeding season are usually blotched with patches of yellow and green. After pair formation, singing rates decrease substantially, and the most commonly heard vocalization becomes the distinctive tikukuk call.

SPRING—The first spring arrivals usually appear just before 20 April. Migrant populations peak in early May. Because of the breeding population, the departure of migrants is inconspicuous. Daily high counts may reach up to 75 with exceptional effort, but normally are less than 20 birds.

1, Mermet Lake, 7 Apr 2002 (FB)

1, LaRue Pine Hills, 10 Apr 2005 (KM)

SUMMER—Heavily parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds, Summer Tanagers probably raise more cowbirds than tanagers in southern Illinois. The nest is a ragged cup of grasses placed 10 to 80 feet above the ground, often at the tip of a long horizontal branch that extends into an opening in the canopy. 

AUTUMN—After breeding, the best clue to the continued presence of Summer Tanagers is their call, which is still occasionally given. Otherwise, they can be difficult to detect; some may participate in mixed-species flocks of migrants, especially with Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Most Summer Tanagers have departed by 5 October.

11, Giant City SP, 18 Sep 1982 (JCR)

1, Mermet Lake CA, 18 Oct 1986 (WDR)

1, Pomona, 26 Oct 2002 (RR)

Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, Carbondale, Jackson Co., 11 May 1959 (SIU A-882).

Scarlet Tanager  Piranga olivacea

Mid-April - Early October

Status and abundance: Common migrant. Common summer resident in the Shawnee Hills. Fairly common summer resident in the Floodplains and the Till Plain.

Habitat: Mature deciduous woodland.

Records and remarks: Scarlet Tanagers generally prefer moister forest than do Summer Tanagers. Although Scarlet Tanagers occur along forest edge, they are more of a forest interior species than are Summer Tanagers. Scarlet Tanagers forage in the canopy, for caterpillars and other medium-sized insects. Males show delayed plumage maturation, but the differences between subadult and adult plumages are subtler than those among Summer Tanagers.

SPRING—The first spring sightings are routinely made just before 20 April. Migrant populations reach their maxima in late April and early May. Numbers taper off by late May as the migrants leave and the residents stay. Daily high counts are normally up to 30 birds but can be much higher given sufficient effort and coverage of excellent habitat.

1, Jackson Co., 9 Apr 2011 (KM)

5, Giant City SP, 18 Apr 1989 (WDR)

SUMMER—The frail, open, cuplike nests are placed in a cluster of leaves or vine tangle high above the ground. Scarlet Tanagers are commonly seen feeding fledgling cowbirds throughout the summer. 

AUTUMN—Migration may begin as early as mid-August. Peak numbers are detected during mid-September, when they are frequent participants in mixed-species flocks. The males acquire female-like plumage for the winter. Most Scarlet Tanagers have departed by 5 October.

13, Giant City SP, 18 Sep 1982 (JCR)

1, Giant City SP, 10 Oct 1982 (JCR)

1, Massac Co., 15 Nov 2005 (FB)

Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, LaRue Pine Hills, Union Co., 3 May 1956 (SIU A-267).

[Western Tanager  Piranga ludoviciana]

Status and abundance: Hypothetical.

Records and remarks: The only report is of a sighting by Lee Bush on 14 May 1948. Smith and Parmalee (1955) indicated the bird was seen five miles northwest of Carbondale, whereas

George (1968) referred to Williamson Co. as the locality; the bird was apparently observed at Crab Orchard NWR in Williamson Co. Because of the distinctive fieldmarks of this species and the experience of the observer, the record is likely correct. No documentary details were preserved, however, so Western Tanager must remain categorized as hypothetical.

Northern Cardinal  Cardinalis cardinalis

Status and abundance: Common year-round resident.

Habitat: Shrubby fields, forest edge, residential areas, and forests in which a dense shrub layer is present.

Records and remarks: Cardinals are one of our most iconic and ubiquitous songbirds. Their beautiful colors and rich songs grace our landscapes. Cardinals are not known to migrate, but

they seem to increase in abundance during late fall and winter, probably because of their tendency to form flocks during these seasons. By the time breeding starts in late February or March, they have paired up and dispersed into individually defended territories. Singing begins early in the year, usually after the first warm spell in January. Nests are usually placed in dense bushes, a few feet above the ground. Cardinals are parasitized by cowbirds, but apparently they can eject cowbird eggs. Of 150 nests found in Union and Alexander Cos., 40 percent were parasitized. Cowbird and Cardinal eggs are extremely similar in appearance. Cardinal eggs are larger and tend to have larger brown spots and streaks. Cardinals may raise up to three

broods in a summer. During winter, Cardinals occupy hedgerows and shrubby old fields. They form flocks with other finches, especially sparrows and juncos. They readily come to bird feeders for sunflower and safflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet. Daily high counts vary a little by region, with highest numbers usually being in the Shawnee Hills and southern Floodplains. High counts can be between 100 and 300 per day given sufficient effort.

Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, 5 miles w. of Carterville, Williamson Co., 31 Mar 1959 (SIU A-755).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  Pheucticus ludovicianus

Mid-April - Mid-May

Early September - Mid-October

Status and abundance: Common spring migrant. Rare summer resident. Fairly common fall migrant.

Habitat: Deciduous forest and forest edge.

Records and remarks: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks forage in the understory and the lower to middle canopy of deciduous woodland. Their rich, liquid, robin-like song and squeaky eek call note are commonly heard during spring migration.

SPRING—A few grosbeaks arrive around 20 April, but most are not detected until the last week of April. Peak numbers are present from 1 to 15 May, and then the population declines

abruptly. Some birds occasionally linger into the first few days of June; some of these lingering birds may be potential breeders.

1, LaRue Pine Hills, 12 Apr 2002 (KM)

2, Crab Orchard NWR, 19 Apr 1972 (VK)

45, LaRue Pine Hills, 26 Apr 1975 (BP)

1, Trail of Tears SF, Union Co., 1 Jun 1990 (WDR)

1, Carbondale, 2 Jun 1976 (BP)

SUMMER—Confirmed to breed in southern Illinois, yet not known to nest, or even to occur during summer, in our area every year (Robinson 1991b). Most summer records are from the western Floodplains and the Till Plain. 

pair with nest, near Cutler, Perry Co., 3 June 1989 (WDR)

pair with nest, Turkey Island, Randolph Co., 4 June 1989 (WDR)

2 males, Ava, Jackson Co., 13 Jun 2001 (SB)

2, Kaskaskia Island, Randolph Co., 24 Jun 2014 (KM)

pair with yg., Picayune Chute, Alexander Co., 29 June 1988 (WDR)

pair at nest, Levee Rd., Union Co., 9 Jul 2011 (LS)

1, Dixon Springs, Pope Co., 15 Jul 2008 (DK)

AUTUMN—Migrants begin appearing by early September in most years. Daily high counts are usually of eight to ten birds during peak passage, which is in mid- and late September. Most grosbeaks have moved out of our region by 10 October.

1, Wayne Fitzgerrel SP, 5 Aug 2006 (KM)

1, near Little Grassy Lake, Jackson Co., 29 Aug 1976 (BP)

1, LaRue Pine Hills, 30 Aug 2014 (P. Benham, N. Sly)

1, Ozark, Johnson Co., 14 Oct 1989 (TF)

1, Carbondale, 26 Oct 1983 (E. Chato)

Documentation: Specimen—imm. male, Marion, Williamson Co., 3 Aug 1935 (SIU A-1903).

Black-headed Grosbeak  Pheucticus melanocephalus

Status and abundance: Very rare visitor.

Records and remarks: Two records. A male visited a Carbondale feeder from mid-February to 23 March 1972 (Kleen 1972). A male came to a feeder north of Dowell, Perry County, 18-22 July 2024 (Richard Wayman, m.ob.).

Documentation: Photograph—Kleen (1972). 

Blue Grosbeak  Passerina caerulea

Late April - Mid-September

Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant and summer resident in the Shawnee Hills. Uncommon migrant and summer resident in the Floodplains and the Till Plain.

Habitat: Hedgerows and shrubby fields.

Records and remarks: Blue Grosbeaks look like large Indigo Buntings with rusty wing bars. Fairly recently Blue Grosbeaks were placed in the same genus with Indigo Buntings, indicating genetic evidence for their relationship. Blue Grosbeaks often sing from telephone wires or fence posts in agricultural landscapes, especially where scattered shrubs are present.

SPRING—First spring arrivals are usually detected just after 20 April. Daily counts of five or six birds are not unusual in the Shawnee Hills. Slightly smaller counts are expected from the Till Plain and the Floodplains.

1, se. Saline Co., 9 Apr 1997 (JD)

1, Fort Massac SP, Massac Co., 13 Apr 1982 (R. Bradley)

SUMMER—Nests are usually placed within 10 feet of the ground in a dense shrub or sapling, often in a hedgerow. Snakeskins, plastic, and paper are readily used as nesting material. 

Nests with eggs have been found from mid-May through early July.

AUTUMN—Fall migration is unremarkable. Sometimes two to four birds will be found with flocks of other finches in weedy patches or hedgerows during September. Southward migration probably begins in mid-August, but differentiating migrants from summer residents is difficult.

6, Randolph Co., 11 Aug 1987 (WDR)

6, se. Franklin Co., 9 Sep 2006 (LS)

2, Fort Massac SP, 16 Oct 2016 (A. Parmley)

1, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 19 Oct 2003 (DK)

Documentation: Specimen—male, 1 mile se. of Dongola, Union Co., 22 May 1976 (ISU 1700).

Indigo Bunting  Passerina cyanea

Late April - Late October

Status and abundance: Common migrant and summer resident. Rare winter visitor.

Habitat: Woodland edge, roadsides, and shrubby old fields.

Records and remarks:  Indigo Buntings are one of the most conspicuous and abundant songbirds in our region. Buntings can be found in almost any habitat except for urbanized areas and deep forest. They may even occur in a forest if there is an opening in the canopy caused by a road, stream, or tree-fall gap. Males in their first breeding season have patchy blue-and-brown plumage.

SPRING—The bulk of first arrivals appear during the last week of April. Some appear earlier, but these March records my involve birds that spent the winter. Often the first arrivals are found at bird feeders, where they feed on sunflower seeds. Daily high counts can be in the low hundreds given a full day of effort.

1, Massac Co., 20 Mar 2002 (FB)

1, Ferne Clyffe SP, 20 Mar 2004 (R. Jack)

2, Rudement, Saline Co., 10 Apr 1992 (JD)

1, Pomona, 10 Apr 2001 (KM)

331, Union Co., 10 May 2003 (SB)

SUMMER—Buntings place their nests near the ground in a crotch of a sapling or bush or woven into the stalks of several weedy plants. They probably raise two broods when possible, but high nest predation rates and cowbird parasitism may impede their success. 

AUTUMN—After breeding, buntings form loose flocks. Males molt into female-like plumage. Southward migration seems to begin in late August, peaking in September. By the end of October, most buntings have left southern Illinois. A few linger later, even into winter.

35, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 5 Aug 2006 (KM)

30, Jackson Co., 30 Aug 1975 (BP)

1, Carbondale, 7 Nov 2011 (TH)

1, Mermet Lake CA, 22 Nov 1986 (TF, WDR)

WINTER—Most winter records are from December and early January, which suggests that these birds are late fall migrants. They usually associate with sparrow flocks in hedgerows and forest edges near patches of unharvested grain, such as sorghum. Although seeming to increase in occurrence during winter, they are not yet detected every winter.

1, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 18 Dec 1993 (KM, MS)

4, Union Co. CA, 30 Dec 2003 (VK, m.ob.)

5, Mermet, 31 Dec 2003 (KMc)

1, Union Co. CA, 31 Dec 1972-24 Jan 1973 (Kleen 1973b)

5, Union Co. CA, 19 Dec 1985, with 4 still there on 7 Jan 1986 (VK, RP, WDR)

2, Mermet, 20 Jan 2004 (FB)

3, Mermet Lake, 30 Jan 2012 (KM)

Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, Little Grassy Creek, Williamson Co., 14 Apr 1956 (SIU A-296).

Painted Bunting  Passerina ciris

Status and abundance: Very rare visitor.

Records and remarks: An adult male visited a thistle feeder near Makanda, Jackson Co., 20-22 April 1993 (Gelman 1993). Another male visited a feeder in Harrisburg, 13 May 2008 (K. Shane). The Hanson family, who hosted the region’s first Inca Dove at their feeder, recalled a Painted Bunting window-kill at their Carbondale home in 1957. Painted Buntings seem to be expanding their range toward our region from the southwest, so perhaps they will occur with greater regularity in the future.

Documentation: Photograph—1993 record (SIU AP-uncatalogued).

Dickcissel  Spiza americana

Late April - Early October

Status and abundance: Common migrant and summer resident. Very rare winter visitor.

Habitat: Large weedy fields, especially hay fields, alfalfa and clover; tends

to avoid fescue. Also occurs along grassy ditches around agricultural lands.

Records and remarks: A common roadside bird of agricultural areas, Dickcissels often perch on telephone wires and fence posts where males sing all day, helping little with nesting activities. Females sneak around in cover and can be difficult to see. Numbers vary widely from year to year.

SPRING—By 25 April, the first arrivals have typically appeared. Often, the very first birds are detected by their distinctive flight call, a buzzy, almost electrical zrrak. Dickcissels may not become numerous until well into May. Typical daily high counts range from ten to twenty or more birds. Migrants are difficult to separate from summer residents, so departure dates are unclear. Daily high counts vary from year to year but can exceed 100 during years of high abundance. In other years, it can be difficult to find 10 even in superb habitat.

1, Horseshoe Lake CA, 19 Apr 1991 (TF)

1, Massac Co., 23 Apr 1973 (VK, HDB)

110, Union Co., 8 May 2004 (SB, A. Sigler)

SUMMER—Nests are placed on or near the ground. Fledged young are present as late as late August.

77, Union Co., 24 May 2003 (KM)

41, Union Co. CA, 2 Jun 1982 (P. Kittle)

AUTUMN—Dickcissels form loose flocks after breeding. Rather inconspicuous, they skulk around in weedy patches. Most are gone by late September, but a few regularly stay into October. Few systematic surveys have been made during fall.

1, Jackson Co., 22 Oct 2011 (LS, DM)

WINTER—Overwintering has not been confirmed, but there are a few records of birds that were probably very late fall migrants. Such birds sometimes associate with sparrows at feeders.

imm. female, near Ware, Union Co., 30 Dec 2004 (DS)

2, Massac Co., 30 Dec 2011 (RR, S. Juhlin)

1, Horseshoe Lake, 3 Jan 1976 (HDB, P. Ward, W. O’Brien)

1, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 9 Jan 1994 (TF, JD)

1, Harrisburg, 18 Jan 1986 (K. Phelps)

Documentation: Photograph—Crab Orchard NWR, Williamson Co., 29 Jun 2013 (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S14543198).