Migratory Status: Neotropical migrant
PIF Population Estimate: 
21 000 000
Percent of western hemisphere population breeding in boreal forest: 65%
BAM Effective Detection Radius (m) : 73.02
PIF Maximum Detection Distance (m) : 80
Canadian BBS Population trend: -2.7 n.s. (-12.1 to 6.7)
Life History
The appearance of the male Blackpoll Warbler is fairly distinct during the breeding season; it has a solid black cap and a white cheek patch. Resembling the highly sympatric (i.e., species overlapping in geographic areas without interbreeding) Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapilla), the Blackpoll Warbler is easily distinguished by two distinct white wing bars, extensive black streaking on its sides and flanks, and striking yellowish-orange legs and feet.
The Blackpoll Warbler has an extensive breeding range, occupying almost all of the spruce and fir forests within the boreal ecosystem. The distribution on the breeding grounds extends from Newfoundland to the western coast of Alaska. The breeding range also extends south into the sub-alpine forest of the northern Rocky Mountains. The winter range includes portions of the southern Lesser Antilles (Trinidad and Tobago), though the majority of birds winter in northern South America. Although still poorly described, the species inhabits edges and second growth forest below 3,000 m and primarily east of the Andes, possibly as far south as northern Argentina and Paraguay.
While much of this species’ ecology remains poorly understood, the Blackpoll Warbler is perhaps best known for its remarkable, and seemingly unique, autumn migration. In fall, birds travel southeast across the continent, collecting in flocks on the Atlantic coast, from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Birds then migrate south or southeast out over the Atlantic Ocean where they are assisted by strong northwest winds. Upon reaching the Tropic of Cancer, they encounter the northeast trade winds, which deflect them south towards the South American continent. Although somewhat variable, the entire distance of this fall migratory journey is between 2,500 and 3,500 km and is estimated to take up to 88 hours of continuous flight to complete.
The species is most often associated with black spruce (Picea mariana) forest, but often occupies dense, shrubby habitats, such as willow (Salix spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), and birch (Populus spp.) at the periphery of its breeding range.
The Blackpoll Warbler is primarily insectivorous and eats both adult and larval insects as well as other arthropods during the breeding season. As with many congeners (i.e., organisms within the same genus), it has been known to consume fruit during migration and on the wintering grounds.
Reference(s)
Hunt, P. D., and B. C. Eliason. 1999. Blackpoll Warbler ( Dendroica striata), The Birds of North America, No. 431. A. Poole and F. Gill, eds. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists's Union, Washington, D.C.
