Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Bay-breasted Warbler
Scientific name: Setophaga castanea

IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: PARULIDAE
Group: Birds
Shyness: Suspicious
Safe distance: 10 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.05–30.06
Gestation / Incubation: 12–13 jours
Births: 01.06–15.07
Habitat:
Coniferous forests, mixed forests, wooded areas
Description:
The Bay-breasted Warbler is a small songbird belonging to the Parulidae family. It is easily recognizable by its chestnut-colored breast, contrasting with its white belly and black and white wings. Males display brighter colors than females, especially during the breeding season. This migratory bird primarily nests in the coniferous forests of Canada and the northern United States, migrating to Central America and northern South America for the winter. Its diet mainly consists of insects, but it can also feed on berries in the fall. The Bay-breasted Warbler is an active and agile bird, often seen foraging in tree branches.
Recommended lens:
>=400mm
Photography tips:
To photograph the Bay-breasted Warbler, it is advisable to use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance. Look for these birds in coniferous or mixed forests, especially during migration. Be patient and discreet to avoid scaring them away. The best times to observe them are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when feeding activity is at its peak. Take advantage of the soft natural light to get well-lit photos and highlight the bright colors of their plumage.