photo by Phil Swanson

Dendroica magnolia

Song or calls:
Song is rising, whistled “wisha-wisha-wisha-witsy” or “pretty-pretty-Rachel.”

Description: Yellow underparts; streaked on breast and sides; white undertail coverts; undertail is white except for black band at tip. Breeding male blackish above; gray crown; white eyebrow; white wing patch; broad black eye line; broad white tail patches; and a yellow rump. Female lacks black on face; has two white wing bars; and a grayer eyebrow. Fall adults and immatures are drabber, with grayish-olive upperparts; fainter white eyebrow; and a faint gray band across breast.

Habitat: Can be found in a wide array of deciduous and coniferous habitats, but often prefer rather thick woods. Usually forage 20-30 feet above the ground.

Where in Nebraska:Uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly.

Fun Facts: Originally referred to by Alexander Wilson as “black and yellow warbler”

Additional Information: Received its common name after it was discovered on a magnolia tree in Mississippi during spring migration.

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