photo by Phil Swanson

Dendroica tigrina
L 5″ (13 cm).

Song or calls:
High, thin “sip.” Song is high, thin “seet seet seet seet.”

Description: Short tail; yellow rump; thin, slightly downcurved bill. Most plumages have yellow on face, with the color usually extending to sides of neck. Breeding male has chestnut ear patch; bold black streaking on underparts; blackish crown; and white wing patch. Female is slightly duller, with two narrow white wing bars; lacks chestnut ear patch and white wing patch. Immatures are even duller.

Habitat: Occur in a variety of habitats, ranging from coniferous or deciduous forests to parks and suburban gardens.

Where in Nebraska: Rare casual spring migrant in eastern Nebraska.

Field Notes: Majority of migration takes place east of the Missouri River. Winters chiefly in the West Indies. Most often found in conifers in cemeteries.

Fun Facts: Has a tubular tongue to facilitate sipping nectar

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