A small but mighty ground-dweller that fills North American forests with its unmistakable "teacher-teacher-teacher" song, bobbing its head as it searches for insects among fallen leaves.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Ovenbird is a small warbler with dull olive-green upperparts and white underparts heavily streaked with black. Its distinctive feature is a tawny-orange crown stripe bordered by black lines. The bird has a dark brown bill and pink legs.

Males and females look similar, though females tend to be slightly duller. Juveniles initially show browner plumage with less distinct markings but soon molt to resemble adults.

Size

Length

12cm to 15cm

Wingspan

19cm to 23cm

Weight

18g to 28g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Olive Brown

Secondary Colour

White Black

Beak Colour

Brown

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Ovenbirds inhabit mature deciduous and mixed forests across eastern North America, from southeastern Canada to the northern Caribbean. They prefer areas with closed canopies and open understories.

During winter, they migrate to southern Florida, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. In the United States, they are common summer residents in eastern states and parts of the Midwest.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,500 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 72
Strength 35
Adaptability 65
Aggressiveness 45
Endurance 68

Diet

Ovenbirds primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates found in leaf litter. Their diet includes ants, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders.

They forage by walking slowly on the forest floor, picking prey from leaves and soil with their sharp bills.

Behaviour

Ovenbirds are primarily ground-dwelling birds, walking deliberately on the forest floor while bobbing their tails. They forage by picking insects from leaf litter.

During the breeding season, males become territorial, singing from elevated perches to defend their areas.

Vocalisation

The Ovenbird's song is a loud, ringing 'teacher-teacher-teacher' that increases in volume. This distinctive vocalization gives rise to its alternative name, 'Teacher Bird.'

They also have a flight song, a complex series of musical notes and trills given during a display flight.

Nesting & Breeding

Ovenbirds form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically runs from May to July. Males establish territories and attract females with their loud songs.

The female builds a unique, dome-shaped nest on the ground, resembling a Dutch oven (hence the bird's name). The nest is made of leaves, grasses, and bark, with a side entrance. She lays 3-6 white eggs with brown speckles.

Incubation lasts about 12 days and is performed solely by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 7-10 days but remain dependent on adults for another 2-3 weeks.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 1 - 3 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 11 years [1]
0
3
7
10
13

years

The Ovenbird typically lives for 1 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 11 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Ovenbirds face threats from habitat loss due to forest fragmentation and urbanization.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving large tracts of mature deciduous forests, crucial for their breeding success.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

26,000,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Listen for their loud, distinctive 'teacher-teacher-teacher' song
  • Look for them walking on the ground in deciduous forests
  • Observe leaf litter for movement, as they often forage there
  • Visit eastern North American forests during spring and summer for the best viewing opportunities

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Teacher Bird

Family:

Parulidae

Predators

Main predators include hawks, owls, squirrels, and snakes. Domestic cats also pose a significant threat, especially in areas near human habitation.

Did You Know?

  1. Ovenbirds got their name from their unique, oven-shaped ground nests.
  2. They perform a courtship display called 'sky dancing,' flying up and descending in spirals.
  3. Despite being warblers, Ovenbirds spend most of their time on the ground rather than in trees.

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References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2021. Seiurus aurocapilla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22721779A139133223.

    View source
  2. 4

    report: Pardieck et al. 2018; Partners in Flight 2019; Rosenberg et al. 2019

  3. 3

    website, 2019: Partners in Flight

    View source
  4. 1

    website: Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds

    View source