Description

All plumages show broad white wingbars. Spring birds have a buffy area behind the cheek on the neck. Spring males have a black mask and chestnut (bay) on the crown and neck spreading to the flanks. Females and second year males show the same features but are often paler and less significant.

The Bay-breasted Warbler is often found in mature mixed boreal forest.

The song is a weak, high-pitched: "see atzeee atzeee atzeee."

Fall birds can appear very similar to fall Blackpoll and Pine Warblers.

Foraging is generally performed in the inner part of the tree at mid-heights. The Bay-breasted Warbler populations benefit greatly from outbreaks of Spruce Budworm.
The Bay-breasted Warbler is a difficult bird to locate due to its quiet song and preference for foraging high in dense canopies.

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