THE BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER IS NOT A FEEDER BIRD

       Spotting a black-and-white warbler is always a treat. Seeing one in your backyard is something extra special, especially in the winter. In my case, most years I can count the number of times I see this bird on the fingers of one hand.

       I have never heard of anybody saying they attracted a black and white warbler to a feeder. However, since the bird eats insects, I suspect, if one did show up, it would come to a suet feeder.

       Black-and-white warblers nest each summer above the Fall Line. However, even then most of the folks that live in the upper portion of the state often do not see the bird. However, in the winter, those Georgians that live south of the Fall Line have a better chance of seeing the bird than those living elsewhere. It is amazing to me that any of them choose to winter in the Peach State as the vast majority of their kin winter in the warmer climes of Central America, the West Indies, and Cuba.

       The male black-and-white warbler’s back, head, and flanks are adorned with bold black and white stripes. The female appears to be a pale version of the male.

       Since black-and-white warblers are definitely not feeder birds, if you want to enhance your chances of seeing the bird in your backyard this winter, you need to know something about its feeding habits. First keep in mind the black-and-white warbler is a loner. Also, do not look for this warbler feeding on the ground or on the small tree branches. This reason for this is the primary feeding grounds for this hardy bird are the trunks and large branches of trees. In fact, it is our only warbler that regularly feeds in such locations.

       If you regularly look for this bird in the right places, you just might spot one this winter. If you do, please let me know. As for me, I have been vainly looking for the bird all winter.

10 thoughts on “THE BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER IS NOT A FEEDER BIRD

    • Mary,

      Thanks for your comments. I will add peanuts to my list of foods eaten at feeders by black-and-white warblers.

      Terry

  1. Had one come briefly to my feeder this morning. Have been watching for it to come back, but no sign yet. I am in SE coastal North Carolina near a marsh.

  2. I’m seeing a black and white warbler at my hummingbird feeder, apparently eating the ants around the edge of the feeder and have seen it several times at the feeder..I’m in central Virginia..

    • Anonymous,
      Thank you for your comments about a black-and-white warbler visiting your hummingbird feeder. I have never heard of this behavior. I believe you are correct in saying it was eating ants.

      Terry

  3. Hi, from Medley (Miami), Florida. Had a beautiful male hit our front glass door this morning around 10am! Put him in a box with some water. Moving a little but not flying off yet.

    • Maria,

      I hope your black and white warbler makes it. It sounds like they are migrating through. Here in Georgia, we have black and whites all year as well as migrants that pass through.

      Thanks for sharing your experience.

      Terry

  4. Just had a black and white warbler at my suet feeder, I normally see them on my Live Oak tree but we had to cut it down.

    • Alberta,

      Thanks for you comments. I hate that you had to cut down your live oak tree. I am sure it was a great spot for the warbler to feed. Since you have had luck attracting the bird to suet, hopefully, one will find mine soon.

      Terry

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.