Ovenbird
Least ConcernSeiurus aurocapilla
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Ovenbird. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Ovenbird demonstrates considerable agility through its ground-dwelling lifestyle, requiring nimble movements to navigate forest floor debris and catch insects. Their ability to perform aerial courtship displays and "sky dancing" also indicates good manoeuvrability, though they're not as acrobatic as some other warblers.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small warbler weighing only 14-28g, the Ovenbird possesses modest strength. Whilst capable of constructing elaborate ground nests and foraging through leaf litter, their physical power is proportionate to their diminutive size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These birds show solid adaptability through their successful occupation of various forest types across North America and their ability to adjust to different elevations (sea level to 1200m). Their long-distance migration capabilities and flexible diet of various invertebrates further demonstrate their adaptiveness, though they do require specific forest conditions.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Males display territorial behaviour during breeding season and actively defend their areas with vocal displays. However, they're not notably aggressive compared to other species, primarily using non-violent displays and vocalisations to establish territories.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Ovenbird's long-distance migration patterns and ability to walk extensively whilst foraging indicate strong endurance. Their capacity to perform sustained courtship flights and maintain regular foraging activities throughout the day demonstrates good stamina, though they're not among the most extreme endurance performers in the bird world.
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
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
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.
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:
ParulidaePredators
Main predators include hawks, owls, squirrels, and snakes. Domestic cats also pose a significant threat, especially in areas near human habitation.
Did You Know?
- Ovenbirds got their name from their unique, oven-shaped ground nests.
- They perform a courtship display called 'sky dancing,' flying up and descending in spirals.
- Despite being warblers, Ovenbirds spend most of their time on the ground rather than in trees.
Community Experience
Community Ratings
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
Community Reviews
Create Your Free Account Welcome Back!
Join our community to rate birds and share your experiences. Creating an account is completely free and only takes a minute. Sign in to your account to rate birds and share your experiences with our community.
Your information is secure and will never be shared.
By creating an account, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Seiurus aurocapilla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22721779A139133223.
View source - 4
report: Pardieck et al. 2018; Partners in Flight 2019; Rosenberg et al. 2019
- 3
website, 2019: Partners in Flight
View source - 1
website: Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds
View source
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.