33 Pictures of Warblers That Will Make You Want to Go Birding
Updated: Mar. 30, 2022
Enjoy splendid pictures of warblers, from yellow to black-and-white. Look for these small bright fliers during spring and fall migration.
Blackburnian Warbler
“I saw this Blackburnian warbler in a flowering crab at our cabin in northern Minnesota,” says Jeff Brooks. “It was the first time I had ever seen one and thought the setting in the apple tree was very pretty.” When you’re done looking at pictures of warblers, check out the top spring warblers you should know.
Black-and-White Warbler
“This black-and-white warbler was a first time visitor to my yard last summer, and it was such a delight to see. It has a beautiful song and a very different look. Before gathering information, I dubbed it the zebra warbler bird,” says Ginger English.
Want to take more pictures of warblers? Discover the best birding hotspots for warbler migration.
Pine Warbler
“I took this photo in my back yard in Oshkosh, Wisconsin,” says Mark Benson. We get pine warblers coming to our suet feeder for just a few days every spring.”
Common Yellowthroat
“On June 2, 2016, while birdwatching at a local park, we kept hearing the common yellowthroat song but could not see it,” says Nancy Tully. “Right at the end of our session, I spotted a male yellowthroat very camouflaged in the shrubs. I was able to capture a few photos. It made my whole day.” Check out more super colorful spring bird photos.
Prairie Warbler
“Mt. Agamenticus in York, Maine, is so close to my house but feels like I’m a million miles away from the world when I go there. While on maternity leave this past spring, I would wake up early and go hiking on the trails early in the morning to get away for a little while,” says Britney Fox. “I stopped on a footbridge and this prairie warbler hopped right into the bush next to me. I could not believe how closely I was able to observe this impossibly small but spirited little warbler bird.” Getting pictures of warblers is easy if you follow these tips.
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
“This cute little female yellow-rumped warbler was a visitor to the my yard in March 2019 in DeSoto, Missouri. She must have been migrating because she only stayed a few days,” says Sandy Krassinger. “It always makes me happy to add a new species to my sightings list and be able to capture a photograph!”
Wilson’s Warbler
“This was an exciting moment as I managed to capture a nervous Wilson’s warbler trying to bring home a meal to its offspring,” says Dennis Rashe. “There were four mouths to be filled and I needed to get out of the way quickly.”
Yellow Warbler
“I chose this picture because I absolutely love the spring migration season. Seeing all the different species is incredible, but warblers have a special place in my heart,” says Elijah Stiles. “This little yellow warbler was particularly friendly and seemed to pose just for me. I took this picture in Oak Harbor; Ohio, at Magee Marsh.”
Chestnut-sided Warbler
This spring my husband and I added many lifers, including this male chestnut-sided warbler,” says Evelyn Johnson. “One day several species of warbler birds happened to be merrily hopping along at Whitnall Park in Franklin, Wisconsin. Right time at the right place was the key!”
Canada Warbler
“My husband and I have been avid photographers for over 30 years, focusing on wildlife—especially birds,” says Evelyn Johnson. “We were privileged to capture this Canada warbler at Whitnall Park in Franklin, Wisconsin.” Take excellent pictures of warblers at these top Great Lakes birding hotspots.
Townsend’s Warbler
This beautiful Townsend’s warbler was migrating through just as these bushes were blooming,” says Leslie Scopes Anderson. “I liked the color combinations.” Yellow warbler vs goldfinch: Find out how to tell the difference.
Golden-cheeked Warbler
The rare and endangered golden-cheeked warbler nests only in the oak-juniper woodlands of central Texas,” says Melissa Cheatwood. “We are so fortunate to live within the boundary of the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1992 in order to protect this very special songbird.” Discover 7 amazing nature photos you won’t want to miss.
Northern Parula
“When the year started, I told myself I would love to see 200 different bird species in Florida. It definitely has been a challenge, but I am determined to complete my goal,” says Sheri Douse. “Out of all the different birds, this little guy is one that I hear every time I go outside. The Northern parula is a very small bird and it has a beautiful voice. I have been chasing this bird around for quite some time hoping to get a perfect picture.” Want to take better pictures of warblers? Check out our ultimate guide to backyard bird photography.
Palm Warbler
“This spring I noticed two large native plum trees blooming in a park in Minneapolis, not far from my home,” says Travis Bonovsky. “On the very last day of April I noticed a lot of movement within them so I got out my stool to sit and watch. Among the birds was a gorgeous palm warbler who was busy prodding the flower clusters with its bill.”
Yellow-throated Warbler
“I was listening to this yellow-throated warbler singing high in a pin oak in our front yard. I sat near a gingko enjoying the songs of several of spring birds,” says Brian Lowry. “In time, the warbler landed immediately in front of me on the gingko.” Enjoy 20 super pretty pictures of finches.
Ovenbird
“Spring migration had brought several new visitors to our yard during my first year of birding. I was just about to dismiss what I thought was another house sparrow, until I zoomed in and was treated to this adorable ovenbird among some new crabapple buds,” says Jeffrey Boland. “It’s become my favorite photo of the season, and makes me smile every time I see it.” Learn how to identify a Tennessee warbler.
Bay-breasted Warbler
“I caught this bay-breasted warbler checking me out at Magee Marsh in Ohio this past spring,” says Alisa Gerbec. “This photo captured the curious nature between birds and humans.”
Nashville Warbler
“This photo is of a very acrobatic Nashville warbler in our cherry tree,” says Andy Raupp. “This photo is special to me because we live in the suburbs and don’t often get migrating warblers in our yard.”
Prothonotary Warbler
“Each year I eagerly wait for the annual migration influx of prothonotary warblers to east Tennessee,” says Bob Howdeshell. “This female posed so nicely for me.”
Cape May Warbler
“The month of May brings spring warblers to Michigan. So it is fitting that while enjoying a beautiful spring day at Tawas Point State Park on Lake Huron I spotted my first glimpse of a Cape May warbler,” says Catherine Forrest. “Warblers are so colorful and full of energy. Luckily this one decided to take a rest and I was able to get a picture of it.”
Black-throated Green Warbler
“This black-throated green warbler put on quite a show for us this past spring, hopping for branch to branch posing allowing some amazing captures,” says Laura Pettigrew. “Such amazing color and details!”
American Redstart
“This was taken during fall migration. I was in my backyard taking pictures of birds when this female American redstart appeared at my water fountain,” says Linda Petersen. “She was very excited to see water and kept hopping back and forth, fanning her tail feathers trying to get brave enough to jump in the water.” While warblers don’t usually visit feeders, you can still get pictures of warblers in your backyard. Here’s how to attract birds to use a birdbath.
Hooded Warbler
“Every spring my husband and I make a trip to Kanawha State Forest near Charleston, West Virginia, to look for migrating warblers,” says Teresa McClung. “We almost always see hooded warblers in the same area of the forest and I try to take photos of them.”
Kirtland’s Warbler
“I caught a picture of this Kirtland’s warbler at Grant Park in Chicago,” says Jamie Burning. “I was surprised to see this warbler bird, as it’s a rare sight around here.” Meet the cerulean warbler: a sky blue beauty.
Magnolia Warbler
Nancy Tully captured this photo of a magnolia warbler. This easy-to-spot warbler spends time in low shrubs and trees. During spring migration, magnolia warbler birds zip through the eastern half of the U.S. on the way to their breeding grounds in Canada and northern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin.”
Warbler Singing
“I took this photo of a yellow warbler singing its heart out when I started doing wildlife photography. Boy, you really need a lot of patience to get photos of some of these birds, but it was an awesome experience that spring. I used my Nikon D750 and 70-200 mm lens,” Martin Torres says. Here’s how digiscoping can help you take better pictures of warblers and other birds.
Upside Down Warbler
“Last summer, I saw the black-and-white warbler while looking out my living room window. I grabbed my Nikon D5600 and ran outside, hoping to get a picture of the bird. This was the only shot that turned out. Warblers are pretty quick!” Karen Fortney says. Discover 20 black and white birds you might see.
Portrait of a Warbler
“While visiting my mother’s house, I spotted a yellow-rumped warbler perched on a branch. It looks as though the bird is actually posing for a portrait. I’ve only seen these warblers in the last couple of years at this location, so it was great to have an opportunity to photograph them. I used a Canon EOS 5D Mark III,” Mark Ruppert says. Discover 25 small yellow birds you should know.
Warbler Nest
“Prothonotary warblers are one of my all-time favorite birds, and I was so excited to find a breeding pair along the Wisconsin River last year. I took a photo of the male delivering food to the babies inside the nest. I could hear their excited chirps inside the tree cavity, but it wasn’t until I got home and checked the photo more closely that I realized you could see four hungry mouths inside the tree. It was such an amazing birding experience!” Andy Raupp says. Learn everything you need to know about cavity-nesting birds.
Warbler Migration
“I always look forward to the spring warbler migration. A small pond across the street from our house attracts several types of warblers every year. I was especially thrilled to see a set of three Canada warblers over the course of five days. This one in particular posed for me for a few minutes,” Elisa Shaw says. We found 8 yellow and black birds you should look for.
Peek-a-Boo Warbler
“One morning, I heard a lovely song coming from my yard. I was stunned to see a flurry of warblers. To my utter shock, two Blackburnian warblers were in my own front yard! After shooting hundreds of photos that morning, I had a pretty severe case of warbler neck, but it was totally worth it,” Amy Severino says.
Mourning Warbler
“Mourning warblers are skulkers and usually spend their time close to the forest floor. A male ventured up a tall bush to ring out his beautiful song. Seeing a mourning warbler in the open is a privilege not many get because of the species’ secretive nature. I took this picture at the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Michigan,” Evan Reister says. Discover 13 fascinating facts about mourning doves.
Sunny Spring Bird
“It was a happy and unexpected surprise to have a yellow warbler visit our flowering pear tree. The bird arrived on an unseasonably cold morning in early May. Its little body was puffed out for warmth and its tiny head was lifted skyward, which made it look all the more sweet. I took the image with a Nikon Coolpix P900 through a window while standing in the middle of our family room,” Pat Shaw says.
Done looking at pictures of warblers? Check out 50 stunning hummingbird pictures.
Originally Published: March 30, 2022
