Non-descript green warblers - Tennessee and Orange-crowned Warblers

The lack of distinct plumage patterns makes the Tennessee and Orange-crowned Warblers very difficult to distinguish, especially when they are high above in the trees.The vocalizations of the two species are very distinct and learning them can aid greatly in the identification of the birds. The Tennessee has a strong three-parted "ticka ticka ticka ticka, swit swit, sit-sit-sit-sit-sit-sit" while the Orange-crowned Warbler sings a featureless trill which seems to lose power at the end.

Tennessee Warbler (above), Orange-crowned Warbler (below). Note the difference in tail length.

The main feature to look for is a color difference in the underparts of the bird. The Tennessee Warbler is whiter while the Orange-crowned Warbler is yellower.

>>Go to Tennessee Warbler
>>Go to Orange-crowned Warbler