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.

Prairie Warbler

Scientific name: Setophaga discolor


Prairie Warbler

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: PARULIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04–30.06

Gestation / Incubation: 12–13 jours

Births: 01.05–15.07


Habitat:
Open woodlands, scrublands, wetlands

Description:
The Prairie Warbler, Setophaga discolor, is a small songbird belonging to the Parulidae family. It is easily identified by its bright orange throat, olive-green back, and distinctive black streaks on its flanks. Males display more vibrant colors than females, especially during the breeding season. This passerine primarily inhabits open woodlands, scrublands, and wetlands in the southeastern United States. A migratory bird, it winters in the Caribbean and Central America. Its song is a soft, melodious trill, often heard in spring. The Prairie Warbler feeds mainly on insects and small spiders, which it catches by flitting agilely among branches.

Recommended lens:
>=400mm

Photography tips:
To photograph the Prairie Warbler, choose sunny mornings when the light is soft. Use a 400mm or longer telephoto lens to capture details without disturbing the bird. Look for areas where warblers are active, such as forest edges or scrublands. Be patient and discreet, as these birds can be suspicious. A tripod can help stabilize your camera for sharp shots. Finally, listen for their distinctive song to locate their presence.

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