Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

Black necklace on a yellow chest, named for a tree it barely uses. Your message comes mislabeled but immaculate.

Population: ~24 million mature individuals (Partners in Flight estimate)
Habitat: Breeds in dense young coniferous and mixed forests (especially young spruces and firs) in the boreal zone; during migration and winter, found in a wide range of wooded and shrubby habitats including forest edges, second growth, and shade coffee/cacao plantations
Fun fact: Despite its name, the Magnolia Warbler was misnamed by ornithologist Alexander Wilson after he collected a specimen resting in a magnolia tree near Fort Adams, Mississippi during migration in 1811 — it does not breed in magnolias, favoring instead young boreal conifers like spruce and fir.
Range: Breeds across central and eastern Canada and the northern US (Great Lakes, New England, Appalachians); winters from southern Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean; migrates through the central and eastern United States
Diet: Primarily insects and other arthropods (caterpillars, beetles, spiders), gleaned from foliage/undersides of leaves and branch tips; supplements with fruit and nectar, especially in winter
Size: 0.12 m
Wingspan: 0.18 m
Lifespan: 7 years

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