photo by Phil Swanson

Limnothlypis swainsonii
L 5 1/2″ (14 cm).

Song or calls:
Song is ascending spiral of varied whistles, becoming fainter until the last notes fade out.

Description: Sexes similar. Brownish-olive above; grayish below; contrasting pale eyebrow between brown crown and dark eye line; long, spiky bill.

Habitat: Normally found among underbrush in swamps and canebrakes.

Where in Nebraska: Accidental. Specimen obtained from Buffalo County in 1905, and seen in Lancaster County in 1977.

Field Notes: Swainson’s Warblers are secretive,and easily overlooked.

Fun Facts: For such a small bird, it defends a relatively large territory ranging from 7 to 44 acres.

(click image for larger view)