When do spring-migrating warblers start to arrive in Canada?

Photo by BarrytheBirder

Pine Warbler

The earliest warblers to arrive in Canada during spring migration are generally the Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler (see photo above), and Palm Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush.

1. The Yellow-rumped Warbler (myrtle subspecies) is by far the earliest and most abundant, sometimes appearing in late March or early April in southern Canada.  They are often found in large numbers and are among the last to leave in the fall.

2. The Pine Warbler is among the first to arrive, frequently arriving mid-April to early May, and is often seen in pine forests.

3. The Palm Warbler arrives early, often in mid-April, and often noted for being about two weeks ahead of most other warbler species.   They are most commonly seen on the ground or in low shrubs.

4. The Louisiana Waterthrush is a rare but very early arrival, with some returning in the second week of April, in Ontario.

Following these, the next wave in late April to early May includes Black & White Warblers, Yellow Warblers and Black-throated Green Warblers.

The Ontario Field Ornithologists says  that while these hardy species start the season, the peak warbler migration in Canada occurs from mid-May (roughly May 10th to 20th),

during which 20 or more species can be seen in a single in hotpspots like Point Pelee, Ontario

Yellow Warbler

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder