Seirus Aurocapillus – Ovenbird

Distinguishing Features – Ovenbird is a large warbler. Olive-green upper parts – back, wings, and tail. Under parts whitish, breast heavily streaked with black. Crown, dull orange bordered by two black stripes; legs, flesh-colored; eye, ringed in white.

Male and female are indistinguishable but the female is slightly smaller.

  • Size – 14 – 16.5 cm
  • (5.5 – 6.5 in)

Ovenbird

Habitat

Deciduous woodlands or mixed woods with sparse understory.

Nesting

On the ground. The nest is made of grass, sticks, leaves, and mosses; lined with grass and down; shaped like a Dutch oven; hence the name Ovenbird.

Eggs, 3 – 6; whitish marked with reddy-brown and purply-gray spots. Incubation period is 11 – 14 days.

Notes

Often confused with smaller thrushes.

The Ovenbird’s song is unmistakable. It sounds like Teacher! and is repeated with each repetition being louder.

For more interesting brids you should check out our post on common bird species.