Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus)

County List:

Rule:

Forested or Mixed Forested/Nonforested Landscapes

      (Red Pine (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (White Pine (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Mixed Pine (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))

Habitat List:

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Literature:

Habitat: As implied by its name, the Pine Warbler is closely associated with pine, usually forests or groves of widely spaced, mature trees. Atlas Habitat Survey data in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula show that it occurs in both mixed and coniferous forests. Often, breeding territories are characterized by several individual trees projecting above a lower canopy. Savanna-like stands of tall red and white pine also provide optimal habitat. In parts of the central and eastern Upper Peninsula, it occurs in relatively high densities in stands of mature red pine on sandy ridges separated by expanses of marsh and bog. These areas, remnants of ancient Great Lakes dunes, generally have escaped logging and associated fires.

Nests found in Michigan have ranged from 18 to 75 feet above the ground in red, white, or jack pine. Nests are placed on a horizontal limb, away from the tree trunk, but usually completely hidden from below in a cluster of needles.

Because of their relatively strict breeding habitat requirements of large pines, monitoring Pine Warbler populations in the southern Lower Peninsula is important. The Pine Warbler now occupies older pine plantations in southern Michigan, most of which are found in state recreation and game areas and other areas of public land. As other pine stands mature this species could become more widespread in the southern Lower Peninsula. In contrast, short timber rotations may preclude its occupancy and threats such as insect infestations and diseases should be managed in a manner, which maintains Pine Warbler populations.

Habitat: Breeding: Exclusively in pines, favoring open pitch pine woods with tall trees. Frequents coastal pine barrens, less common inland. Wintering: Mature loblolly pine stands, especially those near tidewater.

Special Habitat Requirements: Pines. Pitch pine is preferred but other species of pine are used as well.

This well-named bird is not often seen away from pine trees, especially during the breeding season.

Habitat: Chiefly open pine woods, pine barrens. Usually breeds in open pine woods, especially southern longleaf pine forest, sandy barrens of pitch pine with scrub oak undergrowth, jack-pine barrens, and similar habitats. Also sometimes in cedar of cypress.

Diet: Insects, seeds, berries. Largely feeds on insects and spiders; diet includes grasshoppers, caterpillars, moths, beetles, ants, bugs, others. When few insects available, often eats seeds of pine, grass, and weeds, also some berries. Will visit bird feeders for suet and other items.

Nest: Sites located toward the ends of limbs of pines or occasionally other trees, usually 30-50 feet above ground, can be 8-135 feet up. Concealed from below by foliage. Nest is deep, open cup of weed stalks, grass stems, strips of bark, pine needles, twigs, spider web; lined with feathers.