Swainson's Warbler Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesSwainson's Warbler
Adult
Large warbler with a heavy, straight bill. Brownish overall with a rusty cap and black eyeline. Sexes alike.
© Aidan Rominger / Macaulay LibraryTennessee, May 26, 2020Adult
Sexes alike and no seasonal differences in plumage. Long and sharply pointed bill, rusty cap, and black eyeline are distinctive.
© James Rieman / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 21, 2019Adult
Song is a series of loud, descending slurred whistles, ending in 4 or 5 jumbled notes. "So, so, so, so, sweet-to-hear."
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryWest Virginia, May 29, 2013Not all videos have sound
Adult
Somewhat stocky, primarily ground-dwelling warbler with a long, pale bill. Brownish overall with a rusty cap and black eyeline.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryTexas, November 08, 2015Adult
Breeds in densely vegetated areas in the southern United States. From below, note unstreaked belly.
© jerry amerson / Macaulay LibraryGeorgia, May 14, 2016Adult
Very secretive bird, best located by its ringing song.
© Logan Anderson / Macaulay LibraryVirginia, May 12, 2019Similar SpeciesWorm-eating Warbler
Adult
Worm-eating Warblers have bold head stripes while Swainson's Warblers have a solid rusty crown.
© J B / Macaulay LibraryOntario, May 12, 2016Similar SpeciesNorthern Waterthrush
Adult
Northern Waterthrushes have a whiter eyebrow and a streakier breast than Swainson's Warbler. Breeding ranges do not overlap.
© Paul Tavares / Macaulay LibraryMatanzas, February 13, 2017Similar SpeciesLouisiana Waterthrush
Adult
Louisiana Waterthrushes have a whiter eyebrow and a streakier breast than Swainson's Warbler.
© Derek Rogers / Macaulay LibraryNew York, April 12, 2017Similar SpeciesCarolina Wren
Adult
Carolina Wrens are brighter chestnut than Swainson's Warblers with paler eyebrow and a barred tail that is often held up (something Swainson's Warblers don't do).
© Ryan Schain / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, November 20, 2010Similar SpeciesOvenbird
Adult
Ovenbirds are larger than Swainson's Warblers with a spotted belly and a bold white eyering.
© Don Blecha / Macaulay LibraryIllinois, September 24, 2016Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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Species in This Family
New World Warblers(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Parulidae)
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