nashville tits

Nashville Tits: Understanding This Common Bird

Nashville Warblers (Oreothlypis ruficapilla), sometimes referred to colloquially as “Nashville Tits,” are small, migratory songbirds found across North America. These birds are known for their distinctive yellow throats, gray heads, and white eyering, and are a delight to birdwatchers.

While “Nashville Tits” isn’t the official name, understanding the common name confusion helps to understand more about the Nashville Warbler.

Appearance and Identification

Nashville Warblers are relatively small warblers, measuring around 4-5 inches in length. Adult males have a gray head, a complete white eyering, olive-green upperparts, and bright yellow underparts. Females are similar but duller in color, with a browner head. Both sexes have a small chestnut patch on the crown, which is often hidden. Immature birds are even duller, with less distinct head patterns.

Habitat and Distribution

These warblers breed in coniferous and mixed forests in Canada and the northern United States. During migration, they can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, and gardens. They winter in Mexico and Central America. The Nashville Warbler’s preference for open woodlands allows them to flourish during breeding season.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Nashville Warblers are primarily insectivores, feeding on insects, caterpillars, and spiders. They forage actively in trees and shrubs, gleaning insects from foliage. They may also catch insects in flight.

Nesting and Reproduction

Nashville Warblers build their nests on or near the ground, typically hidden in moss, grass, or shrubs. The female lays 4-6 eggs, which are incubated for about 12 days. Both parents feed the young, which fledge after about 10 days.

Vocalization

The song of the Nashville Warbler is a series of clear, sweet notes, often described as “see-bit, see-bit, see-bit, tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi.” They also have a variety of chip calls.

FAQs About Nashville Warblers

What is the diet of a Nashville Warbler?

Nashville Warblers primarily eat insects, caterpillars, and spiders, foraging among trees and shrubs.

Where do Nashville Warblers nest?

They build their nests on or near the ground, typically hidden in moss or grass.

What does a Nashville Warbler look like?

Adult males have a gray head, white eyering, olive-green upperparts, and yellow underparts. Females are similar but duller.

Where do Nashville Warblers live?

They breed in Canada and the northern US, migrate through various habitats, and winter in Mexico and Central America.

How can I attract Nashville Warblers to my backyard?

Planting native trees and shrubs, providing a water source, and avoiding pesticide use can help attract them.

Summary

The Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) is a small, migratory songbird with distinctive yellow throats and gray heads. They are insectivores that nest on or near the ground. Their pleasant song and colorful plumage make them a welcome sight for birdwatchers across North America during migration and breeding season. While sometimes referred to as “Nashville Tits” the correct common name is Nashville Warbler.