Northern Parula

This week there have been several reported sightings of Northern Parulas (Setophaga americana) around the North Lookout. These small, colorful warblers are common and widespread throughout the eastern U.S. during the breeding season, but are difficult to spot due to their preferred dense forest habitat. Oftentimes you will hear them before you see them -- listen for a buzzy, ascending call that resembles a zipper. Females of this species prefer to build their nests near water bodies, constructing them out of hanging Spanish moss or lichen. The northern parula overwinters in the Caribbean and eastern Mexico.

Photo by Bill Moses.