Mniotilta varia (Linnaeus, 1766)

Black-and-white Warbler

Florida native

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These warblers can be found in deciduous and mixed woods throughout Florida in the winter. Some of the first of the migrants to arrive, as early as August and also one of the first to leave in the early spring. The non-breeding range also includes the West Indies, much of Mexico and Central America and into South America as far as Peru. The breeding range includes the southern states north of the southeastern coastal plain, the northeast, the Great Lakes region and much of Canada except the far west and north.
Often seen foraging on tree limbs, they build nests on the forest floor. They are 11-13cm (4-5/16 to 5-1/8 in.) long and black and white striped overall. They have a thin slightly down-curved bill. Males have a dark ear patch, females tend to be slightly lighter overall with a thinner, lighter ear patch. Black and white warblers are white underneath with distinctive black spots on the undertail coverts.
Extra-long hind claws allow black and white warblers to go up and down tree trunks and under branches, much like nuthatches.

Mniotilta varia is a member of the Parulidae - Wood-warblers family.

iNaturalist profile for this species

For more information on this species, visit the following link:
Cornell All About Birds page for this species

Date record last modified: Jun 14, 2025