Wild Guide: Ovenbird

The ovenbird is plump and large for a warbler, though smaller than many sparrows. Its walk can best be described as jerks, usually with its tail cocked up. Adult upper parts are dark olive brown with an orange crown. There are two dark border stripes along the orange crown and a bold white eye ring. Underparts are white, with heavily streaked breast and sides; the streaking is made up of a series of connecting spots. The legs are pink.

Did You Know?

Ovenbirds require large tracts of mature, closed-canopy forest. When development degrades those forests, ovenbirds decline from decreased habitat and exposure to nest parasites, like cowbirds.