Above: Ovenbird in the grass (photo by Bob Shettler)
What Does It Look Like?
Dorsally, the Ovenbird is olive green with an orange, black-bordered stripe on the center of the crown. Underneath, the breast is darkly streaked; the belly and undertail feathers (coverts) are white. The eye is encircled in white.
Does It Migrate?
Most individuals winter in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Florida headlands (rarely so in northern South America).
Above: Ovenbird with invertabrate prey (photo by Christian Artuso)
Where Does It Live?
The nesting range extends from the eastern parts of the Rocky Mountains through Canada to Newfoundland and south to the Carolinas and parts of the US Coastal Plain. The Ovenbird breeds in dry mixed and deciduous forests, and mature Jack Pine stands.
Where Can I See It?
Ovenbirds are most often seen during migration, often on lawns or in parks; otherwise these shy birds remain hidden in the forest understory. In breeding season, Ovenbirds are normally detected by the loud, ascending song “tea-cher, tea-cher, tea-cher”.
Above: Ovenbird perched in a tree (photo by Christian Artuso)
Conservation
There are no current conservation issues, however, recommendations for preserving healthy Ovenbird populations may be found here: Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas - Atlas des oiseaux nicheurs du Manitoba .
Did You Know?
Unlike most warblers, the Ovenbird walks about the forest floor, rather than flitting about in the canopy.
Above: Ovenbird walking on the ground (photo by Christian Artuso)