Ovenbird

 

Yesterday was my first of year sighting of one of my favourite warblers, the Ovenbird.

The Ovenbird is a chunky, larger-than-average warbler, but still smaller than a Song Sparrow. It has a round head, fairly thick bill for a warbler, and a jaunty tail often cocked upward.

Ovenbirds are olive-green above and spotted below, with bold black-and-orange crown stripes. A white eyering gives it a somewhat surprised expression. Like several other terrestrial, or near-terrestrial, warblers, Ovenbirds have pink legs.

Ovenbirds spend much of their time foraging on the ground, often walking with a herky-jerky, wandering stroll. Territorial males are very vocal and often sing from tree branches, occasionally quite high up.

Ovenbirds breed in closed-canopy forests, particularly deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous woods. You may find them in most forest types, from rich oak or maple woods to dry pine forest, although they avoid wet or swampy areas.
Cornell All About Birds