Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)

The Black-and-white Warbler is a Neotropical migrant that spends its winter months in southern Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It is a boldly striped black and white bird, and is relatively easy to identify because it feeds much like a nuthatch, moving along tree trunks looking for insects. The bird has several adaptations that allow it to grab onto the bark and probe for insects. This bird is one of our earliest migrants in Arkansas – a first sign that spring is on the way. Black-and-white Warblers begin showing up in good numbers in March, and announce spring migration of many other of our breeding birds that fly north from the wintering grounds to grace us with their presence in the summer months. These birds are common nesters in mixed woodlands, and they place their open cup nest on the ground, near rocks or logs, or at the bases of trees. Watch for a boldly striped black and white bird moving along tree branches and listen for its distinctive song, which is often compared to the sound of squeaky wheelbarrow.

To learn more about this bird and hear it’s beautiful song, go to the “Birds of Arkansas” website developed by Audubon Arkansas and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.  http://www.birdsofarkansas.org/