Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

Conservation Concern 3

In the heart of their breeding range to the southeast of Yukon, Canada Warblers apparently declined almost 5% per year between 1968 and 2006, which amounts to a loss of 85% of the population during that period. But because their Yukon breeding grounds are far from the nearest road, there is no information on declines in the territory. The factors responsible for the decline have not been con rmed, but habitat loss, particularly on the wintering range, is thought to be the most likely factor. In Yukon, Canada Warblers only nest in the far southeast, in the valleys of the Beaver and La Biche rivers.

Description 3

Canada Warblers are small, brightly coloured songbirds. The male (pictured above) is a handsome slate grey above and bright yellow below, with a black face and a necklace of black spots. The female is similar but duller in colour, without a necklace.

Typical Habitat 3

Canada Warblers nest in Yukon in the interior of old-growth forests with dense, shrubby understories. Nests are hidden on the ground under dense cover.

Potential Threats 3

Habitat loss in old-growth forests of the southeast. Sour gas escapement from wells in the La Biche valley. Insecticide and herbicide use on their wintering grounds.

Did You Know? 3

Despite their diminutive size, Canada Warblers are long-distance migrants, ying to and from the northern Andes each year. Perhaps because they must travel such a long distance between wintering and breeding grounds, Canada Warblers arrive in their namesake country late in the spring, and are among the first songbirds to head south in summer. Many other insect-eating long- distance migrants are also declining in numbers, including Common Nighthawks, Olive-sided Flycatchers, and Barn Swallows.

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) Jeremy Meyer, some rights reserved (CC BY), http://www.flickr.com/photos/23976084@N08/3863821430
  2. (c) Laura Gooch, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/lgooch/13740670585/
  3. (c) L.G. Johanson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

Range Map

iNaturalist.ca Map

Animal Bird
Bird New World Warblers (Parulidae)
Color black, grey, yellow